LIFELINE NEW IMPLEMENTATION - FAQs

1. What is the LIFELINE RATE and its benefits?

This is a socialized pricing mechanism created to provide assistance to qualified marginalized electricity end-users/ Member-Consumer-Owners (MCOs) through percentage discount based on the guidelines set by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC).

It shall be a non-cash monetary discount to be applied by the distribution utility in the monthly electricity bills.

The Lifeline Rate started year 2004, under Section 78 of the EPIRA Law (RA 9136). It was amended under Section of RA 11552, extending its implementation to 50 years.

2. What agencies/entities are responsible or have participation in the implementation of RA 11552?

• Department of Energy (DOE)
• Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC)
• Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)
• Philippines Statistics Authority (PSA)
• Distribution Utilities (i.e. ANTECO)

3. What are the responsibilities of the Distribution Utilities?

1. To prepare, institute and effectively implement a business process for application, validation and reporting
2. To act on the application for certification as marginalized end-users within the period specified in the RA and its IRR, and based on the criteria and requirements as established by ERC
3. To continually validate and verify eligibility and qualifications of marginalized end-users under the Act already enjoying the lifeline subsidy, in accordance with the criteria provided under Rule 8 of the IRR
4. To submit reports, information and other data that the ERC may require
5. To comply with the IRR and other pertinent guidelines of the ERC to ensure the proper implementation of the Act

4. Who can avail such under Republic Act 11552? Qualifications and Disqualifications.

Qualified Marginalized End-Users are the following:

1. Qualified Household-Beneficiaries, based on the regularly prepared list of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) (RA 11310 [Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) Act)

1. Marginalized End-Users, living below the poverty threshold as established by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), certified and continually validated by ANTECO based on the criteria determined by the ERC.

Disqualification / Not qualified to avail the Lifeline Rate:

1. Marginalized End-Users that are residing in condominiums or subdivision projects except those who resides with the projects under the government duly certified by the LGU or relevant authorities.
2. Marginalized End-Users that are availing of the net-metering services.
3. Convicted of violating RA 7832 or Anti-Pilferage of Electricity and Theft of Electric Transmission Lines/Materials Act of 1994

5. What are the documents required to avail the subsidy?

For 4Ps beneficiaries:

1. Duly-Accomplished Application Form;
2. Recent Electricity Bill of the electric service being applied for;
3. Any Valid Government-Issued ID containing the signature and address

For Other Marginalized Consumers who are not 4Ps beneficiaries but living below poverty threshold:

1. Certification from the local Social and Welfare Development Officer (SDWO) issued within six (6) months prior to the filing of application stating that their family income is below the poverty threshold applicable at the time of the application;
2. Duly-Accomplished Application Form;
3. Recent Electricity Bill of the electric service being applied for;
4. Any Valid Government-Issued ID containing the signature and address

For Renewal of Lifeline Rate of Marginalized Consumers who are not 4Ps beneficiaries but living below poverty threshold:

1. Certification from the local SDWO issued within six (6) months prior to the filing for renewal;
2. Recent Electricity Bill of the electric service being applied for;
3. Any Valid Government-Issued ID containing the signature and address;
4. Previous Certification of Lifeline Coverage issued by ANTECO;

Apply for renewal 2 months prior the expiration of their Certification of Lifeline Coverage which will be provided by the ANTECO.

6. Who will pay the discount?

The non-lifeline customers will subsidize the lifeline discount provided to marginalized customer (ERC Resolution No. 16-2009).

7. When is the validity of the lifeline coverage?

For 4Ps beneficiaries, it shall be valid within the period indicated in the Certified List issued by the DSWD (Rule 7, Section 1 & Rule 8, Section 3). In case the consumer is delisted by the DSWD, ANTECO will discontinue the discount not later than 2 billing cycles from the time it received the list of delisted 4Ps beneficiaries.

For marginalized consumer who is not a 4Ps beneficiary, it shall be valid for a period of 3 years from the issuance of the Certification by the local SWDO. Once validity ended, the consumer may apply for renewal of Lifeline Rate. (Rule 8, Section 3)

8. What is the threshold level lifeline rate or the approved level of kWh consumption?

The ERC is tasked to determine the new lifeline level of the distribution utilities. Once available, it will be disseminated and implemented.

In the meantime, ANTECO will continue to implement the existing approved lifeline rate, subsidy and consumption threshold until a new one is approved by the ERC.

15 kWh and below      = 7% discount

16 kWh to 20 kWh        = 5% discount

9. What is the document to be issued by the Cooperative for qualified applicants?

Certificate of Lifeline Coverage – To be issued within two (2) working days from the submission of complete documentary requirements.

Consumers who may be considered as qualified marginalized end-users are encourage to prepare their application and documentary requirements.