DOE backs extended 'lifeline' power rates

The Department of Energy (DOE) supports the Palace-approved extension for handing out power-rate discounts to “lifeline" or marginalized power consumers until 2021, the agency said Wednesday. Malacañang approved this, as well as an extension of the term of the Joint Congressional Power Commission (JCPC), on Tuesday. The Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) of 2001 gives low-income users of electricity lifeline subsidies. “In line with the President’s anti-poverty programs, it is the position of the department that the extension of the lifeline rate will ensure [that] the poor and underprivileged sector would still be able to afford electricity services," the department said in a statement. Earlier this month, however, militant group Bagong Alysansang Makabayan or Bayan criticized the EPIRA for supposedly having done the opposite of its promise to lower electricity rates, among other things. EPIRA has only enriched the so-called “Voltage Five," the Freedom from Debt Coalition also said. The lifeline rate not only extends aid to its intended beneficiaries — the poor — but also the well-to-do, according to a report on GMA News’ “24 Oras" newscast.
For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV Meanwhile, the DOE also said it supports the 10-year term extension the JCPC received. “This will help ensure the continued partnership of the executive department and the legislative department in implementing the provisions of not only EPIRA but the Renewable Energy Act of 2008 as well," the DOE said. — PE/VS, GMA News