Davao power firm seeks rate increase

DAVAO CITY — The Davao Light and Power Co. (DPLC) has applied with the Energy Regulatory Commission for a rate increase of 24 centavos per kilowatt-hour (kwh).

DPLC, according to its president Alfonso Aboitiz, has had no rate hikes for 10 years because of "prudent management" but has to effect an increase now to meet "the prevailing cost of delivering efficient electric service."

Aboitiz said DPLC has one of the lowest power rates in the country because it does not charge any power purchase adjustment (PPA) or currency exchange rate adjustment (CERA).

"We understand clearly that a rate increase at this time of economic hardship is unpopular, but we have to do it to sustain our level of quality service to the consumers," he said. – Edith Regalado