The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) held an Online Continuing Regulatory Education for Stakeholders (CREST) recently to discuss ERC Resolution No. 2, Series of 2026, which institutionalizes the Uniform National Lifeline Subsidy and Rate under the Lifeline Program.
The activity brought together distribution utilities (DUs), partner government agencies, and other power sector stakeholders, highlighting the Commission’s commitment to transparent, inclusive, and consumer-centered electricity regulation.
“The Lifeline Rate Program remains a cornerstone of consumer protection under the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA).”
In her opening remarks, ERC Commissioner Floresinda Baldo-Digal emphasized that the Lifeline Rate Program remains a cornerstone of consumer protection under the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA).
Baldo-Digal traced the program’s evolution from its introduction in 2001 to its strengthening under Republic Act No. 11552, underscoring the government’s responsibility to ensure that access to affordable electricity is treated as a basic necessity rather than a privilege.
“ERC Resolution No. 2, Series of 2026 represents a landmark reform—transitioning the Lifeline Program toward a uniform, data-driven, and more equitable framework that places marginalized consumers at the center of regulation.”
She noted that ERC Resolution No. 2, Series of 2026 represents a landmark reform—transitioning the Lifeline Program toward a uniform, data-driven, and more equitable framework that places marginalized consumers at the center of regulation.
The CREST session featured briefings and policy discussions led by ERC Chairperson and CEO Atty. Francis Saturnino Juan, together with Engr. Alvin Jones Ortega, Acting Director and Head of the Regulatory Operations Service–B (ROS-B), and Engr. Nelson Canlas, Chief Energy Regulation Officer of the Regulatory Operations Service–A Investigation and Enforcement Division for Distribution Utilities (ROS-A-IED DU). ERC officials provided comprehensive guidance on the policy rationale, subsidy mechanism, and operational requirements of the Uniform National Lifeline Subsidy and Rate, promoting clear understanding and consistent implementation across all DUs.
Under the new framework, the ERC adopted a uniform national lifeline threshold of 0–50 kWh, paired with a centralized subsidy mechanism. The reform addresses long-standing inconsistencies in lifeline thresholds among DUs and expands coverage to qualified marginalized end-users nationwide, ensuring that electricity affordability support is applied fairly and consistently regardless of location.
For consumers—particularly low-income households—the Uniform National Lifeline Subsidy and Rate delivers clearer, more predictable, and more meaningful bill relief.
The reform strengthens social protection through simplified eligibility requirements and the automatic inclusion of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) household beneficiaries under Joint Resolution No. 1, Series of 2026, paving the way for broader and faster access to lifeline benefits nationwide.
For DUs, the resolution provides greater regulatory clarity and operational consistency. A unified national framework reduces administrative complexity, supports accurate billing and reporting, and reinforces transparency in the implementation of lifeline discounts.
During the CREST, the ERC emphasized the critical role of DUs as frontline implementers in translating policy into tangible bill relief for qualified consumers.
In his closing remarks, Juan reaffirmed that the adoption of a Uniform National Lifeline Subsidy and Rate reflects the Commission’s commitment to fairness, accountability, and social equity in electricity regulation.
He stressed that CREST is part of the ERC’s ongoing engagement with stakeholders and assured participants of the Commission’s readiness to provide guidance and regulatory support to ensure effective implementation and substantial benefits for Filipino households.
