Lifeline Discount

⚡ Lifeline Discount on Electricity

The Lifeline Rate Discount provides a percentage reduction on electricity bills for low-income households with limited consumption. This supports marginalized member-consumer-owners by making electricity more affordable.

📜 Legal Basis

📜 1. Republic Act No. 9136

"Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) of 2001"

This is the foundational law that restructured the Philippine power industry and created mechanisms for protecting marginalized end-users.

Key Provision – Section 73 (Lifeline Rate):
“A socialized pricing mechanism called a lifeline rate shall be implemented for the marginalized end-users, as determined by the Energy Regulatory Commission.”

🔹 This gave power to the ERC (Energy Regulatory Commission) to mandate electric utilities to apply subsidized rates for low-income users.

📜 2. Republic Act No. 11552

"An Act Extending and Enhancing the Implementation of the Lifeline Rate"
(Signed: May 27, 2021)

This law amends certain provisions of RA 9136, extending the lifeline rate beyond June 2021 and redefining its implementation.

Key Highlights:

• Extends the Lifeline Rate Program for another 30 years (until 2051)
• Refines eligibility – lifeline discounts now apply only to qualified marginalized end-users, such as those under the DSWD’s Listahanan or 4Ps program
• Ensures that non-marginalized users are excluded, eliminating abuse

⚖️ Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR)

The ERC, DOE, and DSWD jointly issued the IRR of RA 11552 to guide:

• The definition of qualified lifeline beneficiaries
• Application and validation procedures
• Coordination between electric cooperatives and social welfare agencies

💸 Lifeline Discount Rates based on monthly kWh consumption are based on the approved rates by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) for SURSECO 2

These rates apply only to eligible low-income residential consumers as validated by DSWD or local government certification.

📂 Documents to Prepare

• Valid government-issued ID
• Latest electric bill
• Proof of low-income status (e.g., 4Ps or DSWD Listahanan certificate)
• Accomplished Lifeline Discount Application Form

🏢 Where to Apply

Submit your application at your electric cooperative office (SURSECO II).