DAVAO CITY — Aboitiz-led Davao Light and Power Co. (DLPC) expects a 30% growth in consumption to 546 megawatts (MW) by 2023, from the 421 MW consumed in 2018 in its franchise areas.
In a statement released over the weekend, DLPC said the increased demand would mean sales would surge to 3.14 million MW-hours by 2023, from 2.4 million MW-hours during the period. This would also mean a corresponding customer base growth to 504,911 from 404,574.
“We want to take advantage of the robust economic growth in our franchise areas by making sure power is delivered to our customers reliably, sustainably, and at the most cost-effective way. The initiatives we have mapped out for this year and beyond are part of our effort to become world-class and the best at what we do,” Jaime Jose Y. Aboitiz, executive vice-president and chief operating officer for distribution of Aboitiz Power Corp., said in the statement.
Among the expansion projects are the installation of a 424 megavolt-ampere transformation capacity, 228 circuit kilometers of combined sub-transmission and backbone distribution lines, and improved distribution management system.
DLPC’s franchise areas cover Davao City, Panabo City, and the towns of Sto. Tomas, Carmen, and Dujali in Davao del Norte.
AboitizPower earlier announced it is allocating P3.1 billion this year for modernization of its distribution assets, including those of DLPC.
The company cited the economic performance of the Davao Region in 2017 and 2018, with a gross regional domestic product growth rates of 10.9% and the 8.6%, respectively, “which can be attributed to the positive performance of the service and industry sectors.”
“We expect to serve more customers from these industries this year, especially in light of the government’s Build, Build, Build program. The construction boom in the city is a win-win for all sectors,” said Rodger S. Velasco, DLPC chief operating officer.
DLPC said that between 2019 and 2021, the company will have as new customers “several residential buildings, a hotel, a business park, a multipurpose indoor arena, a factory, and schools.” — Carmelito Q. Francisco
