LIFELINE RATE. MORE Power president Roel Castro and Energy Regulatory Commissioner Alexis Lumbata (left and 2nd from left) award the bill deposit refund to qualified consumers in a ceremony on June 2, 2023. This August, the distribution utility will implement the lifeline subsidy program for members of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program and marginalized sectors with electricity consumption of 95 kilowatt-hours or less. (PNA file photo by PGLena)
ILOILO CITY – Members of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and marginalized sectors with electricity consumption of 95 kilowatt-hours (kWh) or less in Iloilo City will get to enjoy discounts under the lifeline subsidy program effective August.
More Electric and Power Corp. (MORE Power) corporate affairs head Maricris Cabalhin said on Friday the Lifeline Rate subsidy is a new issuance and they just received the advisory from the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) on June 23.
“The discount varies depending on your consumption. But they have to apply, this is not automatic,” she said.
Cabalhin said those consuming 81 kWh to 95 kWh could avail of a 10 percent discount; 71 kWh to 80 kWh, 20 percent; 61 kWh to 70 kWh, 35 percent; 51 kWh to 60 kWh, 45 percent; 21 kWh to 50 kWh, 50 percent; and 20 kWh and below is 100 percent.
Indigent consumers who applied for net metering or those who are using a mix of renewable energy sources, and those caught violating the Anti-Pilferage of Electricity and Theft of Electric Transmission Lines / Materials Act of 1994 are not qualified even if their consumption is within the identified threshold.
Also not qualified are those living in condominiums, or private subdivisions even if their consumption is within the target set for the program.
“Its implementation is starting August 1 so we are into a massive campaign to spread the word to our consumers,” she said.
Cabalhin added that they would start accepting applications at their office in Hotel del Rio in Molo District on July 3.
Personnel will also be deployed to coordinate with barangay officials for those who intend to submit their applications onsite.
4Ps members wishing to apply for the discount should bring an identification card with their address and signature and latest electricity bill.
Non-4Ps need to bring their latest electricity bill, government-issued identification, and certification from their local social welfare and development office issued within the past six months as proof that their income is below the poverty threshold.
Early this month, MORE Power also made a milestone when it returned the bill deposits of three consumers who religiously paid their electricity dues for the past 36 months. (PNA)
