LIFELINE NEW IMPLEMENTATION - FAQs

1. What is LIFELINE RATE and what are its benefits?

This is a socialized pricing mechanism created to provide assistance to qualified marginalized electricity end-users/ Member-Consumer-Owners (MCOs) through a 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 in the 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. Who can avail of 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 of the Lifeline Rate:

1. Marginalized End-Users that are residing in condominiums or subdivision projects except those who reside 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

3. 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 the poverty threshold:

1. Certification from the local Social and Welfare Development Officer (SDWO) issued within six (6) months prior to the filing of the 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 the 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 to the expiration of their Certification of Lifeline Coverage which will be provided by the ANTECO.

4. Who will pay the discount?

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

5. 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)

6. 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.

7. What will happen to the existing lifeline rate consumers?

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

All other information on the implementation of the Lifeline Rate will be disseminated once the ERC provided the guideline.

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