By CHRIS V. PANGANIBAN
SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur — Around 40,000 households in Agusan del Sur living below the poverty line and consuming up to 50 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per month will now enjoy zero electricity bills, starting with their March billing, under the newly established Uniform National Lifeline Subsidy Rate (UNLSR).
Engr. Emmanuel Galarse, general manager of Agusan del Sur Electric Cooperative (ASELCO), said the UNLSR covers households consuming between zero to 50 kWh monthly — roughly equivalent to P600 in electricity costs.
The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) issued Resolution No. 02, Series of 2026, creating the UNLSR as a socialized pricing scheme aimed at providing financial relief to the country’s most vulnerable electricity consumers. By subsidizing the cost of power for low-income households, the program ensures that electricity remains accessible to those who might otherwise struggle to pay their full bills.
Under the program, the National Electrification Administration (NEA) will shoulder P24 million in operational costs for the zero-billing initiative. Meanwhile, the remaining 80,000 ASELCO consumers not covered by the subsidy will contribute one centavo per kWh to support the program.
Galarse emphasized that the program primarily targets beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) under the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), as well as ASELCO members deemed below the poverty threshold by the Philippine Statistics Authority.
“This initiative will significantly ease the financial burden on poor households, especially amid the global energy crisis sparked by tensions in the Middle East,” Galarse said.
He also clarified that the UNLSR differs from the previous Lifeline Subsidy Rate program launched in September 2023, which offered discounts based on consumption brackets — 10% for 21–25 kWh, 25% for 16–20 kWh, and 50% for 15 kWh and below.
Many potential beneficiaries live in remote “last mile” areas, which has slowed registration. To address this, ASELCO will mobilize village officials to assist field personnel in a house-to-house registration drive.
Interested households can apply by filling out forms available at ASELCO offices across the province or at barangay halls. Applicants must submitrecent electricity bills, valid government or 4Ps IDs, or a certification from the local social welfare office.
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