Photo iFM News Iloilo/Reynold Arca
The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has taken steps to support vulnerable households in the Philippines by extending the registration period for the electricity lifeline rate subsidy. Collaborating with the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the ERC aims to increase the number of beneficiaries, particularly among members of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).
During a press conference on Thursday, ERC Chairperson Monalisa C. Dimalanta announced the extension of the registration period for an additional month, with the full rollout scheduled for September. The initiative has already shown progress, with over 12,000 4Ps members successfully registered as of July 31, a significant improvement from the previous month’s count of less than 2,000 applications. The distribution utilities (DUs) are playing an active role in facilitating the registration process.
They have been provided with a list of 4Ps members and are conducting on-site registration in areas with a high concentration of indigent households. Dimalanta also encouraged social welfare and development offices in local government units to work closely with DUs to certify non-4Ps households, making them eligible for the lifeline rate subsidy. In parallel, Iloilo City is taking significant strides towards promoting renewable energy initiatives outside of Luzon.
Through a Tripartite Agreement with More Power and Electric Corp., the city has become the first pilot local government unit (LGU) outside Luzon to participate in the net metering and distributed energy resources (DER) program. Mayor Jerry P. Treñas expressed optimism about inspiring other local governments to embrace sustainable energy practices. Iloilo City has already made notable progress, with solar panels installed at key locations such as the city hall, dialysis centers, and the Iloilo City Action and Response (ICARE) center. Moreover, the city’s largest public secondary school, Iloilo City National High School, is actively utilizing solar panels.
Roel Castro, the president and CEO of MORE Power, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting the national government’s objective of achieving a 35 percent renewable energy mix by 2040. The collaboration with the city government aims to establish a one-stop shop for net metering and DER applications, streamlining the process for consumers.
In addition to these developments, the distribution utility has already issued PHP173,000 as a refund for the bill deposit of 28 eligible consumers, in accordance with the Magna Carta for Residential Electricity Consumers. Eligible consumers who have consistently paid their electricity dues for 36 months or terminated their contract with the utility can request a refund of their bill deposit.
With the extended lifeline rate subsidy registration and the progress made in renewable energy initiatives, the energy sector in the Philippines is moving towards a more sustainable and inclusive future.
