TABUK CITY, Kalinga – The Kalinga-Apayao Electric Cooperative (KAELCO) is calling on low-income member-consumers to apply for the lifeline rate program to get up to ten percent discount on their monthly bill.
The subsidy program is being implemented by virtue of Republic Act (RA) No. 11552, An Act Extending and Enhancing the Implementation of the Lifeline Rate. It covers member-consumers who are living below the poverty threshold. This includes those who are enrolled in the 4Ps program and other individuals who are listed on the poverty database of the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
The discount rate and consumption threshold varies by electric cooperative. With KAELCO, eligible member-consumers that consume 0 to 20 kilowatt per hour monthly will enjoy a five to ten percent discount on their bill.
Qualified member-consumers must apply with the KAELCO with the following documentary requirements: For 4Ps: duly accomplished form, most recent electricity bill and any valid government-issued ID. For non-4Ps: duly accomplished form, most recent electricity bill, any valid government-issued ID and Certification from the local City Social Welfare and Development Office.
KAELCO said applicants may submit their applications at their main office in Tabuk or their sub-offices and collection centers throughout the province. For member-consumers in remote areas, KAELCO board president Izaac Baliang assured that strategies will be done to make the application process easier, saying KAELCO personnel including linemen will be tapped to receive submissions in far-flung areas.
KAELCO said it will be accepting applications until January 30, 2024.
The Energy Regulatory Commission set the full implementation of RA 11552 on January 1, 2024. It was originally set to roll out in September but was moved to allow more people to apply.
