Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 6) — Low-income households consuming 100 kilowatt hours or less per month will pay less for their electricity beginning in September, with the rollout of the Lifeline Rate program.
The program covers Meralco subscribers who are unable to pay their bills, including beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), or customers considered to be living below the poverty threshold set by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
Meralco earlier clarified that condominium unit owners and residents inside subdivisions can no longer avail of the subsidized rates.
Meralco said the following discounts will apply to qualified customers:
– 0-20 kWh monthly consumption – 100% discount
– 21-50 kWh monthly consumption – 50% discount
– 51-70 kWh monthly consumption – 35% discount
– 71-100 kWh monthly consumption – 25% discount
Qualified beneficiaries may apply by submitting to the Distribution Utility and Electric Cooperative their duly accomplished Lifeline Rate Application Form, their most recent electricity bill, and any valid government-issued identification card containing the signature and address of the customer,” the Presidential Communications Office said in a statement.
If the customer is living below the poverty threshold set by the PSA, they must submit a certification from the local Social Welfare and Development Office (SWDO) issued within the last six months showing the family’s income is below the poverty threshold applicable at the time of application.
