BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — The Baguio Electric Cooperative (BENECO) has issued a fresh call to marginalized consumers, particularly beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), to apply for the government’s Lifeline Rate Subsidy. The program is designed to provide significant discounts on electricity bills for low-income households, but many eligible residents in Baguio and Benguet have yet to register for the benefit.
Under the Lifeline Rate program, qualified consumers who consume a small amount of electricity per month can receive discounts ranging from 20% to as much as 100% on their generation, transmission, and distribution charges. The initiative aims to alleviate the financial burden on the “poorest of the poor” amidst rising utility costs and global economic pressures.
“We want to ensure that no eligible consumer is left behind,” a BENECO representative stated. “The subsidy is already there, but it is not automatic. Consumers must proactively apply and submit the necessary requirements to their local electric cooperative to start seeing the discounts on their monthly statements.”
To qualify for the BENECO Lifeline Rate, applicants must fall into one of two categories:
- 4Ps Beneficiaries: Households officially registered under the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 4Ps program. They must present their 4Ps ID or certification upon application.
- Non-4Ps Marginalized End-Users: Families living below the poverty threshold set by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). These applicants must provide a certification from the local Social Welfare and Development Office (SWDO).
The registration drive comes as part of a nationwide effort by the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to implement the Lifeline Rate Extension Act. BENECO has set up dedicated help desks at its main offices to assist residents with the paperwork.
Officials emphasize that the subsidy is a crucial tool for social equity, especially as the highland region faces fluctuating energy prices. By registering, marginalized households can redirect their limited savings toward other basic needs like food and education.
As BENECO continues its community outreach, it encourages local barangay leaders to help identify and inform eligible residents who may not have access to digital announcements. The cooperative remains committed to providing “power with a heart,” ensuring that essential services remain accessible to all sectors of society.