📘 What Is It?

The Senior Citizen Discount on Electricity is a mandatory 5% discount on monthly electricity bills provided to eligible senior citizens in the Philippines. It is implemented by Electric Cooperatives (ECs) and other power distributors as part of the government's efforts to support the welfare of the elderly.

📜 Legal Basis

✅ 1. Republic Act No. 9994

"Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010"

This is the primary law that mandates various privileges for Filipino senior citizens, including the 5% discount on electric consumption. It amends RA 9257, expanding benefits for individuals aged 60 years and above.

📌 Key Section:

Section 4 (a)(i):
“Five percent (5%) discount on the monthly utilization of water and electricity supplied by public utility firms, provided that the individual meters for the foregoing utilities are registered in the name of the senior citizen residing therein…”

 Download RA 9994 (PDF)

✅ 2. Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR)

The IRR of RA 9994 provides the specific guidelines for implementation, including requirements, limits, and processes.

 Download IRR of the Expanded Senior Citizens Act (PDF)

✅ 3. ERC Resolution No. 23, Series of 2010

"Rules and Regulations Governing the Availment of the Five Percent (5%) Discount on Electricity Bills of Qualified Senior Citizens"

Issued by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), this resolution provides the implementing framework specifically for electric distribution utilities — including Electric Cooperatives — on how to properly apply the 5% senior citizen discount on electricity bills as mandated under RA 9994.

📌 Key Provisions:

• Section 3 – Scope of Discount: The 5% discount shall apply to the total electric bill of the qualified senior citizen, provided monthly consumption does not exceed 100 kWh.
• Section 4 – Eligibility: The account must be registered in the name of the senior citizen, used exclusively for residential purposes, and the senior citizen must actually reside in the household.
• Section 5 – Application Process: The senior citizen or authorized representative must file an application with the distribution utility, submitting required documents for verification.
• Section 6 – Effectivity of Discount: The discount shall take effect on the next billing cycle following the approval of the application.
• Section 7 – Responsibilities of Distribution Utilities: Electric Cooperatives and other utilities are required to maintain records of all approved senior citizen discount applications and report these to the ERC periodically.
• Section 8 – Non-transferability: The discount privilege is personal and non-transferable. It cannot be used for commercial, business, or other non-residential accounts.
• Section 9 – Penalties: Any distribution utility found violating these rules may be subject to administrative sanctions and penalties as provided under the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA).

 Download ERC Resolution No. 23 (PDF)

🧾 Requirements

To qualify, the following conditions must be met:

• Senior citizen must be the account holder – the electric bill must be under the name of the senior citizen.
• Residential use only – the discount applies only to the senior citizen’s household (not commercial/business).
• Monthly consumption must not exceed 100 kWh – the discount is only applicable if the usage is 100 kilowatt-hours or less per month.

📂 Documents to Prepare

• Valid OSCA-issued Senior Citizen ID
• Copy of the electric bill
• Proof of residency (e.g., Barangay certificate, lease, or ownership documents)
• Accomplished application form (from your electric company)
• Authorization letter (if applying through a representative)

🏢 Where to Apply

At the nearest office of Surigao del Sur II Electric Cooperative, Inc. (SURSECO II).