San Fernando Electric Light and Power Company (SFELAPCO) is calling on barangay officials in the City of San Fernando, Pampanga to help in the promotion and dissemination of important information regarding lifeline discounts being offered to eligible consumers.

“The power distributor is seeking the assistance of barangay executives to ensure that residents are aware of and able to take advantage of the lifeline discounts that are available to them,” said Atty. Catherine Rose Diaz, SFELAPCO spokesperson.

In a meeting held last week, SFELAPCO representatives met with a majority of Punong Barangay in the city led by Association of Barangay Captains president Benjamin Angeles.

The meeting provided an opportunity for the power firm to engage with barangay officials and seek their support in ensuring that the lifeline discounts are effectively communicated to the community.

Lifeline discounted rate is available to qualified marginalized SFELAPCO consumers, especially those living below the poverty line, whose monthly electricity consumption does not exceed 70 kWh. Under RA 11552 or the Law Extending and Enhancing the Implementation of the Lifeline Rate, qualified SFELAPCO marginalized end-users refer to members of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and those living below the poverty threshold set by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

“These discounts are mandated under Philippine laws to minimize the impact of rising power rates on the most vulnerable members of society,” Diaz explained.

The power firm emphasized the importance of ensuring that consumers are aware of the discounts that are available to them.

It highlighted the fact that many eligible consumers do not take advantage of the discount, despite it being a simple process that only requires the filing of an application at the SFELAPCO office, along with a few documentary requirements.

For members of the 4Ps, the requirements are a) most recent SFELAPCO bill; and b) validly issued government ID/4Ps ID. For those living below the poverty threshold set by the PSA, the requirements are a) most recent SFELAPCO bill; b) validly issued government ID; and c) certification issued by the local social welfare and development office that the consumer is living below the poverty threshold set by the PSA.

The company emphasized that beginning January 2024, only those qualified consumers whose applications have been approved, may avail of the lifeline discount.

“This discount can provide significant financial relief to those who are struggling to make ends meet. It is a valuable opportunity for eligible consumers to reduce their electricity expenses and ease the burden of rising power rates,” Diaz said.