Gov’t agencies issue rules on electricity lifeline rate

By Alena Mae S. Flores – June 18, 2023, 6:25 pm
from manilastandard.net

The Department of Energy, the Energy Regulatory Commission, and the Department of Social Welfare and Development issued a tripartite advisory to distribution utilities for the implementation of the lifeline rate.

The agencies ordered the DUs to immediately implement the disqualification of those who are not qualified to avail of the lifeline rate under Rule 6, Section 6 of the Lifeline implementing rules and regulations.

Those living in condominiums or subdivision projects, except those residing in government housing projects and similar projects, those who are availing net-metering services, those whose consumption falls at or below the consumption threshold but are not considered qualified marginalized end-users, and those who are convicted with finality for violating Anti-Pilferage of Electricity and Theft of Electric Transmission Lines/Materials Act of 1994 would be disqualified from availing the lifeline rate.

The DUs were also directed to start the acceptance and processing of applications from consumers seeking to avail of the lifeline rate program. DUs are expected to complete the processing of the applications on or before Aug. 1, 2023.