JORDAN, Guimaras – Guimaras Electric Cooperative (GUIMELCO), an electric distribution utility serving the province of Guimaras, urged its member-consumer-owners (MCOs) who are members of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) to apply for the Lifeline Rate Subsidy Program to continue enjoying the discount.
The new lifeline rate subsidy as embodied in the newly enacted Republic Act 11552 which extended the lifeline rate subsidy to electricity consumers who are members of the 4Ps and other marginalized households is set to be implemented by January 2024.
For GUIMELCO consumers, the discounts are based on the kilowatt-hour (kWh) consumption of the household provided that it does not exceed 25/kWh for each billing month.
The discounts, following the approved existing lifeline rate threshold approved by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) for GUIMELCO are as follows:
* 25/kwh – 5%
* 24/kWh – 10%
* 23/kWh – 20%
* 22/kWh – 40%
* 0-20k/Wh – 50%
As of Sept. 22, 2023, GUIMELCO recorded 1.39% equivalent to 111 approved applications for lifeline rate out of 7,982 4Ps members.
Members of the 4Ps may apply by accomplishing the application form which can be secured from GUIMELCO office, copy of their recent electricity bill, valid 4Ps ID, and barangay certification or proof of residence (if the bill is not under the name of the 4Ps member). Additionally, a letter of authority and copy of valid government ID with signature of authorized representative is required if an authorized representative will file the application on behalf of the member.
Marginalized households whose monthly income does not exceed the poverty threshold are also encouraged to apply.
GUIMELCO hopes that the application will increase before the implementation to ensure that qualified MCOs can take advantage of the subsidy/discount./PN
