4Ps Households To Get Automatic Power Discounts
- February 18, 2026
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President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the automatic enrollment of qualified Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries into the government’s Lifeline Rate Subsidy Program (LRSP) starting this month, while also announcing reforms to simplify and accelerate applications under the Net Metering Program.
Speaking at the “Collective Response to Presidential Commitments in the Energy Sector” event held at the Meralco Theater in Ortigas, Pasig City, Marcos said the government is coordinating with distribution utilities to expand access to electricity subsidies and renewable energy incentives.
Automatic Enrollment In Lifeline Rates
Under the revised guidelines, 4Ps beneficiaries who consume 50 kilowatt-hours (kWh) or less per month will receive a 100-percent discount on their electricity rates. The new lifeline consumption threshold applies regardless of distribution utility or location.
Marcos said the move aims to address the low enrollment rate in the subsidy program. As of November 2025, around 334,000 consumers were registered under the LRSP, representing only about 11 percent of the estimated three million 4Ps beneficiaries nationwide.
“That’s why we made the guidelines simpler. 4Ps [beneficiaries] do not need to apply for this, as long as they are on the list and qualify for the consumption limit, they will have a discount on the electricity rate,” Marcos said. “This month, we will implement the automatic registration of all 4Ps beneficiaries under the LRSP as well as the distribution utilities,” he added.
Low-income households that are not covered by 4Ps but fall below the poverty threshold and have minimal electricity consumption may also apply for the subsidy. Qualified non-4Ps households include those with at least five members, a combined monthly income of P12,030, and electricity consumption not exceeding 100 kWh per month.
Marcos noted that the LRSP had long been underutilized due to complicated requirements.
Faster Processing For Net Metering
The President also announced measures to streamline the Net Metering Program, which allows households and businesses to install renewable energy systems, such as solar panels, and sell excess electricity back to the grid.
Marcos acknowledged that despite being in place for more than a decade, the program faced implementation challenges due to unclear rules and limited capacity among electric cooperatives, making the application process difficult for consumers.
To address these issues, the Department of Energy (DOE), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) signed a Joint Memorandum Circular directing local government units to adopt standardized application forms and comply with mandated turnaround times once requirements are complete.
In addition, the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) ordered distribution utilities to complete the interconnection process within 20 working days from the acceptance of a letter of interest.
Marcos said the reforms are intended to make it easier for consumers to participate in renewable energy initiatives while helping lower electricity costs and contribute to the country’s power supply.
Support From Distribution Utilities
During the event, Marcos recognized the role of the Manila Electric Company (Meralco), the country’s largest distribution utility, in advancing renewable energy initiatives.
He cited projects such as the Terra Solar Project, expansion of large-scale solar and battery storage systems, rural electrification efforts, and support for both the net metering and lifeline rate programs.
The President said the reforms reflect broader efforts to improve access to reliable and affordable energy, particularly for low-income households.
Source:
https://tribune.net.ph/2026/02/14/4ps-renewable-energy-users-to-pay-much-less
