Antique Electric Cooperative Urges 4Ps Beneficiaries to Apply for Lifeline Subsidy

BUENAVISTA: Antique Electric Cooperative (ANTECO), the sole power distributor in Antique, has called on beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and other marginalized electricity users to apply for a lifeline rate subsidy. This appeal was made during a press conference on Wednesday.

According to Philippines News Agency, only 700 of the 4Ps beneficiaries in the province have applied for the subsidy. The subsidy is part of Republic Act (RA) 11552, which extends and enhances the implementation of the Lifeline Rate until 2050, amending RA 9136 or the Electric Power Industry Report Act of 2001. Veñegas noted that no marginalized electricity users have availed of the program to date.

RA 11552, enacted in May 2021, extends the lifeline rate for marginalized electricity consumers from the previous 20 years to 50 years. This rate covers 4Ps beneficiaries and those continually validated as such by their power distribution utility. Previously, the subsidy was automatically deducted from the bills of marginalized users consuming not more than 20 kilowatts per hour (kWh) each month. However, with RA 11552, these users and 4Ps beneficiaries must now apply for the subsidy through recognized power distribution utilities in their municipalities or cities.

Veñegas expressed that ANTECO aims to have 27,000 4Ps beneficiaries and marginalized electricity users avail of the subsidy starting January. Edward Enila, Manager of Anteco’s Institutional Services Department, outlined the application requirements. For 4Ps beneficiaries, these include a completed application form, a recent electricity bill, and a valid government-issued ID with the applicant’s signature and address. Marginalized electricity users must also provide certification from the local Social Welfare and Development Office, with submissions due before January 30.