THE DEPARTMENT of Energy (DOE) eyes releasing the guidelines on automatic lifeline subsidy for the marginalized to eliminate the lengthy process of enrollment or registration.
Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said on Monday, December 1, that the guidelines may be released before Christmas.
Members of the marginalized sector, especially members of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program(4Ps), are eligible to avail of the 100 percent power discount if their monthly consumption is below 50 kilowatt per hour (kWh).
However, Garin said the mandatory registration hinders beneficiaries from availing the program, which the agency aims to address.
In a press briefing at the DOE headquarters in Taguig, Garin said the agency is working with the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to make the process easier for the vulnerable sector.
“We’re working together with ERC and DSWD, we’re working on lifeline rates as directed by the president. Kasi po ang lifeline rate covered ang konti ang nakokonsumo na 4Ps pero ang nangyayari kokonti ang nag-apply kasi pupunta pa sila sa coop nila, mag-submit ng isang katutak na forms, tapos iva-validate pa kung totoo,” she said.
“So what we do now, hopefully when all policies are in place, before Christmas, basta 4Ps ka, 50 kwh lang consumption mo sa isang buwan… hindi mo na kailangan mag-apply,” Garin said.
She added: “We will update by next week or this week, kung ok na ang mga policies na kailangan o 50 kwh valid 4Ps member ka at pangalan niya nasa client sya ng electric coop then 100 percent discount na sya kahit saan ka man sa Pilipinas,” she added.
Garin said the data sharing with other agencies, such as DSWD is crucial to determine eligibility and to streamline the availment of the benefit.
The government earlier said very few 4Ps members have enrolled for the lifeline subsidy. (ABS-CBN News)
