Meralco Offers Lifeline Rate to Low-Income Customers

(SPOT.ph) Customers consuming below 101kWh are entitled to discounts, the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) reminded its users this week, giving a reprieve to hard-up families. 

In a Facebook post, Meralco said the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Lifeline Rate Discount Program have been in full effect since January this year. This program is mandated by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC). 

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Who Are Eligible? 

Meralco said the following low-income customers consuming 100kWh and below are eligible, with only one per household allowed: 

• Beneficiaries of government’s 4Ps (Pantiwid Pamilyang Pilipino Program) 
• Customers below the poverty threshold as set by the Philippine Statistics Authority 

Qualification is not automatic, and there’s a detailed application process. 

How to Apply?

The 4Ps beneficiaries must submit a filled-out application form, certified list of 4Ps beneficiaries from the Department of Social Welfare and Development reflecting their name, their 4Ps ID, and latest Meralco bill. BIll address and 4Ps list must reflect the same address. 

Those living below the PSA poverty line must submit an accomplished application form, certification from their local Social Welfare and Development Office (SWDO) issued within 6 months proving that their income level is below the poverty line, any valid government ID, and their latest Meralco bill. 

Once granted the Lifeline Rate, a qualified 4Ps beneficiary will enjoy electricity bill discounts for as long as they remain on the certified list. Those below the poverty line will enjoy three years of discounts from date of certification from the SWDO. 

In case consumption exceeds the discount threshold for a particular month, the lifeline won’t apply.

How Much is the Discount? 

Discount rates depend on their consumption bracket. Those consuming 20kWh and below are given full discounts, while those consuming 71kWh to 100kWh get 20% discounts. 

Here’s the full discount schedule: 

 More details about the Meralco Lifeline Rate here. 

Also read: Electricity cost in PH now most expensive in Asia