In an unprecedented move, the government will be launching the Lifeline Rate program next month, aiming to aid low-income households in settling their electricity bills.
This initiative intends to offer a subsidized rate for eligible low-income electricity consumers who struggle to cover the full cost of their electric bills.
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Households already benefiting from the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) or those who fall below the poverty threshold as established by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) are eligible to apply. It’s crucial to note that only one application per household will be granted a lifeline rate and only one Distribution Utility (DU) or Electric Cooperative (EC) service can benefit per qualified household.
Application procedures involve submitting the Lifeline Rate application form, recent electricity bills, and a government-issued ID with the applicant’s signature and address to the DU and EC. For those living under the poverty threshold set by the PSA, an additional certification from the local Social Welfare and Development Office (SWDO) must be submitted, showing the family’s income is below the relevant poverty threshold.
To ensure all eligible households have ample time to register, the program’s initiation has been postponed to September.
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Recent statistics from the Energy Regulatory Commission reveal that out of the 4.2 million household members, only 12,829 households already benefitting from 4Ps have registered for the Lifeline Rate initiative as of July 31.
Eligibility for the Lifeline Rate is contingent upon the annual certified list of 4Ps beneficiaries provided by DSWD. If a beneficiary remains on this list, they can continuously avail of the Lifeline Rate. If they’re removed from the list, reapplication is possible through the local SWDO certification, provided they still fall below the poverty threshold.
For non-4Ps beneficiaries, the Lifeline Rate holds a validity of three years post the issuance of the SWDO certification.
The extent of the power reduction is influenced by the prevailing rates of the DUs or ECs. As a case in point, in the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) franchise zone, lifeline consumers with a monthly consumption between zero to 20 kilowatt-hours (kWh) will get a full discount on generation charges, excluding a fixed metering charge of PHP5. This could result in savings of nearly PHP230 monthly. The program also provides a scaled rate for consumers with varying consumption levels, ensuring broader reach and greater impact.
The government remains optimistic that this initiative will significantly ease the financial burdens on lower-income households, promoting well-being and economic stability throughout the nation.
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Sna mkaavail po ng libre kunyente kc kmi kmi ay nangungupahan lng at mister ko lng po my work. 400 a day fix lng po shod nya. My 3 ank ako na 12yr 9yr at 2months old. Dating 4ps member pero ntangal na po.. Tia po