THE Department of Energy (DoE) said it will not set a deadline to register for the lifeline rate subsidy after issuing eligibility rules for beneficiaries.
“We are not imposing a deadline for consumers availing of the discounted rate. However, unless registered, they cannot avail of the benefits,” Energy Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla said in a statement on Monday.
The DoE said it urged all beneficiaries listed under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) to register for the electricity lifeline rate.
“There are 4.2 million household beneficiaries of 4Ps, and registration for lifeline subsidy remains very low. Only those who register will continue to receive a reduction in their electricity bills beginning August 2023,” Mr. Lotilla said.
In June, the Energy Regulatory Commission together with the DoE and Department of Social Welfare and Development, issued an advisory requiring all distribution utilities to implement the revised lifeline rate rules.
The lifeline rate is a subsidy provided to customers with a monthly power consumption of 100 kilowatt-hours or less.
Under the revised rules, customers living in condominiums, subdivisions and those with net-metering services are no longer qualified for the lifeline rate despite being under the consumption ceiling.
“If they do not avail of the program through Meralco, they will have to shell out more or less P250.00, an amount which could otherwise be spent for their other needs such as food,” Mr. Lotilla said.
“For lifeline consumers who have been struggling to make ends meet, electricity discounts could help (provide relief),” the DoE said.
Qualified customers under the lifeline rate receive discounts of between 20% and 100%, depending on their power consumption. — Ashley Erika O. Jose
