The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), together with the Department of Social and Welfare Development (DSWD) is set to review its list of marginalized customers who will benefit from the extended life rate subsidy on their electric bills.
In a report by the Manila Bulletin, ERC Chairperson Monalisa Dimalanta said that an average of Php 408 million in monthly subsidy is being accorded to around six million lifeline power users.
Dimalanta added that the beneficiaries would need to go through a recalibration process amid the preconditions under Republic Act 11552 or the “Act extending and enhancing the implementation of the lifeline rate”, which enforces the extension of the lifeline rate subsidy for up to 50 years for those who can qualify to avail of the extended cost subsidy in its bills.
The ERC official said that they would need to establish new criteria based on the new law and its implementing rules and regulations, which have been completed and signed by the DOE, DSWD, and the Department of Energy.
ERC said that the marginalized electricity end-users will continue to benefit from the subsidy under the lifeline program.
The DOE will be formulating and promulgating policy guidelines on the implementation of the subsidy program, while the DSWD will provide qualified household beneficiaries nationwide through a standard targeting system.
Meanwhile, the ERC will determine the new lifeline level, as well as provide the criteria for qualifications of a marginalized end-user to avail of the lifeline discount rates. The commission will also monitor compliance with the implementation of the program.
