DSWD: Extension of electricity lifeline subsidy registration enables more 4Ps beneficiaries to enlist
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Wednesday, Sept. 6 said the decision to postpone the full implementation of the new lifeline rate program until January 2024 will enable the enrollment of more Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries.
The full rollout of the program was initially scheduled for September, but was delayed due to low registration.
“The DSWD welcomes the decision to move to January 2024 the full implementation of the lifeline rate program as this will enable more 4Ps beneficiaries and other qualified poor households to avail of the discounts in their electricity bills,” DSWD Assistant Secretary for Strategic Communications and spokesperson Romel Lopez said.
The Department of Energy (DOE), Energy Regulatory Commission, and the DSWD on Tuesday, Sept. 5 signed a tripartite advisory postponing the full rollout of the lifeline rate program to January 2024 to enable more qualified poor households to avail of the cheaper electricity.
“Qualified 4Ps beneficiaries under the lifeline rate program should have a monthly electricity consumption of 100 kWh (kilowatt per hour) or below to avail the discount ranging from 20 to 100 percent in their Meralco electricity bills depending on their actual consumption,” Lopez explained.
The subsidy is provided under Republic Act (RA) 11552, also known as the Act Extending and Enhancing the Implementation of the Lifeline Rate, which amended Section 73 of RA 9136 or the Electric Power Industry Reform Act.
According to DOE, there were 47,171 lifeline program registrants as of Aug. 30.
This figure was significantly higher than the 1,816 consumers out of 24 million 4Ps beneficiaries nationwide who had submitted an application for the lifeline program as of July 10.
The 4Ps is a human development measure of the national government that provides conditional cash grants to the “poorest of the poor,” to improve the health, nutrition, and the education of children 18 years old and below.
Eligible customers, including 4Ps beneficiaries, can apply by going to the nearest Meralco Business Center with their filled-out application form, latest electricity bill, and 4Ps ID.
A certification from the local social welfare development office and government-issued ID are required for non-4Ps beneficiaries.
Only those with approved applications will be able to take advantage of the subsidy offered under the lifeline rate program starting Jan. 1, 2024.