Duterte approves extension of no disconnection policy for lifeline customers

President Rodrigo Duterte has approved the recommendation of the Department of Energy (DOE) to continue the implementation of the no disconnection policy for customers with low monthly electricity consumption, a Malacañang official said Thursday.

Duterte's spokesperson Harry Roque said the no disconnection policy would be implemented for the whole month of February. 

Distribution utilities should also provide options for installment payment for lifeline customers, he added.

Lifeline customers are those who consume 100 kilowatts per hour and below each month.

At a news conference earlier, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said the President made the decision during the 51st Cabinet meeting on Wednesday.

“The President readily agreed given that electricity is a basic necessity our countrymen cannot live without,” Nograles said.

“Makakahinga na po ng malalim ang ating mga kababayan na mababa o walang kita. Hindi po kayo mapuputulan ng kuryente.”

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) previously ordered power distribution utilities not to implement any disconnection on account of non-payment of bills until December 31, 2020 for consumers with monthly consumption “not higher than twice the ERC maximum lifeline consumption level.”

“According to the DOE, while lifeliners comprise 32% of the customer base, they only account for 3% of electricity sales. So, this is very doable,” Nograles said.

Duterte also urged Congress to extend the subsidy for marginalized power consumers for a period of 30 years or from 2021 to 2051, according to Nograles.

“[This is] because of the pandemic and sa computation ng DOE, hindi naman ito mabigat para sa ating mga distribution utilities. Kayang-kaya naman po,” he said.

The Senate approved an extension of only 10 years last month.—AOL/RSJ, GMA News