Lifeline Rate FAQs
1. What is the Lifeline Program?
The Lifeline Program refers to the subsidized rate given to the qualified marginalized electricity utility customers who are financially unable to pay their electricity bills at full cost (per Section 4 of Republic Act 9136 or the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 (EPIRA). The Lifeline Rate is a socialized pricing mechanism in the form of percentage discount levels that were set by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC).
2. Who is qualified for the Lifeline discount?
Customers who meet any of the following criteria are qualified for the lifeline discount:
- Beneficiaries of the "4Ps Act" (Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program) under Republic Act No. 11310, or
- Customers considered to be living below the poverty threshold set by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), certified by the Social Welfare and Development Office (SWDO).
3. What are the changes in the Lifeline Program?
The lifeline rate was amended to reflect ERC's regulatory direction to improve administrative efficiency, ensuring fair and sustainable subsidy, and reinforcing consumer-centric protections in the delivery of electricity services.
The following changes were implemented:
- For 4Ps beneficiaries whose name and address in the DSWD-certified 4Ps list exactly match the name and address in their Meralco account, enrollment to the lifeline rate discount will be automatic.
- 100% discount on customer bills for all qualified marginalized end-users with a monthly consumption of 50 kWh or less
- For MERALCO, the existing lifeline discount will still apply to qualified marginalized end-users consuming 51-100 kWh
- Implementation of a Uniform National Lifeline Subsidy Rate of PhP0.01/kWh beginning March 2026 to support the Lifeline Program for qualified customers, as promulgated by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC).
4. How much is the Lifeline discount for Meralco Customers?
Meralco lifeline customers with a monthly consumption of 100 kWh and below will receive a discount on their bill depending on their consumption bracket, as shown below:
| Lifeline Discount | ||
|---|---|---|
| kWh Consumption bracket | Current Discount | Discount starting April 2026 |
| 0–20 kWh | 100% | 100% |
| 21–50 kWh | 50% | |
| 51–70 kWh | 35% | 35% |
| 71–100 kWh | 20% | 20% |
5. What if there are many 4Ps beneficiaries in our household?
Customers who meet any of the following criteria are qualified for the lifeline rate:
- Beneficiaries of the "4Ps Act" (Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program) under Republic Act No. 11310, or
- Customers considered to be living below the poverty threshold set by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)
6. How do I apply for a Lifeline discount?
- For 4Ps beneficiaries whose name and address in the DSWD-certified 4Ps list exactly match the name and address in their Meralco account, enrollment to the lifeline rate discount will be automatic.
- For 4Ps beneficiaries whose name and address in the 4Ps list do not exactly match the name and address in the Meralco account, submission of the following requirements at the nearest Meralco business center is required:
- Duly accomplished Lifeline Rate Application form
- Most recent Meralco bill*
- 4Ps ID**
- For customers who are not beneficiaries of 4Ps but are living below the poverty threshold as certified by the local SWDO, submission of the following requirements is required:
- Duly accomplished Lifeline Rate Application Form
- Most recent Meralco bill*
- A certification from the local SWDO issued within the last six (6) months showing that his or her family income is below the poverty threshold set by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)and applicable at the time of his or her application
- Any valid government-issued ID reflecting the address of the registered customer and his or her signature, such as: Police Clearance, Postal ID, Professional Regulatory Commission License (PRC) ID, Senior Citizen ID, Social Security System (ID), Tax Identification (TIN) ID, Unified Multipurpose ID, Phil ID
*The barangay indicated in the Meralco bill must be the same as the one in DSWD's Certified List of 4Ps Beneficiaries
**If 4Ps ID is lost/unavailable, other government-issued IDs may be provided
7. Can I apply for a Lifeline discount through a representative?
Yes, application through a representative is allowed. The following requirements should be prepared and submitted:
- For 4Ps beneficiaries whose name and address in the 4Ps list do not exactly match the name and address in the Meralco account, submission of the following requirements at the nearest Meralco business center is required:
- Duly accomplished Lifeline Rate Application form
- Most recent Meralco bill*
- 4Ps ID**
- For customers who are not beneficiaries of 4Ps but are living below the poverty threshold as certified by the local SWDO, submission of the following requirements is required:
- Duly accomplished Lifeline Rate Application Form
- Most recent Meralco bill*
- A certification from the local SWDO issued within the last six (6) months showing that his or her family income is below the poverty threshold set by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)and applicable at the time of his or her application
- Any valid government-issued ID reflecting the address of the registered customer and his or her signature, such as: Police Clearance, Postal ID, Professional Regulatory Commission License (PRC) ID, Senior Citizen ID, Social Security System (ID), Tax Identification (TIN) ID, Unified Multipurpose ID, Phil ID
*The barangay indicated in the Meralco bill must be the same as the one in DSWD's Certified List of 4Ps Beneficiaries
**If 4Ps ID is lost/unavailable, other government-issued IDs may be provided
- Representatives are also requested to bring the following:
- Signed Letter of Authorization, whether typewritten or handwritten, including the reason for the presentation
- Valid government-issued ID of both the representative and the represented, with signature
8. What is the validity period for the Lifeline discount?
- For 4Ps Beneficiaries:
- The validity of Lifeline discount is based on the annual certified list of 4Ps beneficiaries provided by DSWD. A qualified customer is eligible to receive the Lifeline discount if he/she remains on the updated list.
- If delisted, the customer may opt to apply for a local SWDO certification if he/she is living below the poverty line and reapply for Lifeline discount. The grant will be discontinued no later than two billing cycles from Meralco's receipt of delisted 4Ps beneficiaries.
- For Non-4Ps Beneficiaries:
- The validity of Lifeline discount is three (3) years from the date of issuance of Certification by local SWDO.
- Meralco may conduct a validation to ensure that the customer remains eligible for the Lifeline discount.
9. Will I automatically receive the Lifeline discount after I apply?
The Lifeline discount will only be applied if the kWh consumption for the month is within the consumption threshold of 100kWh and below. If your consumption for the month is above 100kWh, your bill for that month will not receive a lifeline discount.
10. Where can I see the Lifeline discount on my Meralco bill?
You can find the lifeline discount at the back of the bill.
Current placement in the bill
Placement in the bill starting April 2026
11. If I am a lifeline customer, am I still required to pay the bill deposit?
Lifeline customers with 100% discount are not required to pay a deposit. Eligibility is based on the load schedule submitted during the application and in accordance with Republic Act No. 11552 and its implementing guidelines.
12. Who is entitled for the early refund of bill deposit?
Lifeline customers who received a 100% discount in the prior billing month will automatically receive a refund of their bill deposit beginning May 2026.
13. What if I fail to pay on time after I get my bill deposit refund?
If a Lifeline customer who received an automatic refund misses a payment or loses eligibility for the 100% discount, a new bill deposit will be charged starting the following month. The amount will be based on the customer's average monthly bill for the last 12 months and must be paid in full using any accepted payment method.
It will be collected in full and payment in any acceptable mode of payment.
14. If I start paying on time again, when do I get a refund?
Lifeline customers with 100% discount are eligible after six (6) months of on-time payment.
15. Is everyone required to update their bill deposit?
Lifeline customers with 100% discount are not required to update their deposit.
On Service Account Ownership and 4Ps
1. What will be the process if I transfer residence?
Customers who wish to transfer residence will need to secure a Certificate of Un-tagging that will be issued by any Meralco Business Center. This Certificate of Un-tagging will be required by the local SWDO in issuing a new Certificate. This is also applicable to 4Ps beneficiaries.
Once the customer secured the re-issued Certificate from the local SWDO reflecting the new address, he/she should go to the DU serving the new address to enroll for the lifeline rate.
2. How can I apply for a lifeline rate as a renter if our electric bill is under the landlord?
There will be an additional requirement on the application if the service is under a different name. The following should be submitted as proof of residence:
- Lease of contract
- Government issued ID or Barangay Certificate
3. How can I become a 4Ps beneficiary?
A customer can be a 4Ps beneficiary if he/she is eligible and applies for the 4Ps.
Selection of qualified households for the 4Ps Program is done through the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR) aka Listahan[4]. Usually, the DSWD goes directly to qualified households, and asks to provide their personal information and submit documentary requirements to become 4Ps members.
To remain in the program, members must comply with conditions such as health checkups and school attendance for children depending on age and attendance at Family Development Sessions.
[4] NHTS-PR or Listahan is used to identify who and where the poor are in the country. Targeting is based on the estimated income of families compared to the poverty threshold per province. This estimated income is based on family composition, education, and access to basic services.
4. I am the 4Ps beneficiary applying for lifeline rate but our electric bill is named under a different family member. Am I eligible for a lifeline rate?
Yes, as long as you comply with all the eligibility requirements and your application has been validated by Meralco.
On Lifeline Rate and other Applications in Meralco
1. Can I apply for the senior citizen discount together with Lifeline Rate?
Yes. A customer may apply for both Lifeline Rate and Senior Citizen discount simultaneously provided requirements for both were submitted.
2. I am already enjoying Senior Citizen discount but I am also a qualified marginalized end-user. Can I also avail of the lifeline rate?
Yes, you can apply for the lifeline rate.
3. Can I apply for an Installment Payment Agreement (IPA) even though I'm a recipient of the Lifeline Rate?
Yes. A customer may still apply for an Installment Payment Agreement even though you are a recipient of Lifeline Rate.
4. I am about to apply for a new electric service, and I don't have any service contract with Meralco. Can I apply for lifeline rate along with it?
Yes, you may apply for the Lifeline Rate together with the application for a new electric service.