Social Electricity Tariff: who is entitled and how to request it?

THE Social Electricity Tariff can make a huge difference in the household budget of millions of Brazilian families. 

According to ANEEL, only 12.3 million families have access to this social tariff. However, at least 14 million families are entitled to the benefit but do not receive it.

One of the reasons is that these families don't even know they are entitled, nor how to apply.

That's why we're here! In this text, you'll find out who is entitled to the TSEE and how to apply.

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How does the Social Energy Tariff benefit work?

Today, I was in line at a bank correspondent waiting for my turn to be served. There was an acquaintance in front of me who withdrew some money, apparently for retirement. 

I noticed that as soon as he got the money, he took an energy bill and a water bill out of the plastic bag to pay.

It seems unbelievable, but a good part of your retirement was left there, to pay those basic and necessary bills. 

The electricity bill is one of the heaviest costs in Brazilian families' budgets. In some regions, including small towns with humble people, it can be unjustifiably high.

Now, imagine a family that has no fixed income or that earns less than the minimum wage.

In this context, the discount on the energy bill offered by the government, comes as a light at the end of the tunnel, to help low-income families. 

The discounts granted can reach up to 65%, depending on KWH consumption.

Furthermore, this program is an interesting tool to help these families save electricity.

As a result, they cut costs and also contribute to the sustainable development of the planet, as well as to reducing negative environmental impacts.

A great incentive for this savings is that the discount only applies to consumption below 220KWH.

For consumption above 220KWH, the discount is 0%. This means that many will continue to pay a high price on their electricity bill if they do not save.

Who is entitled to the Social Electricity Tariff? 

The target audience for this benefit are low-income families, who find it very difficult to pay their utility bills on time. 

To be eligible, they must be registered in the Single Registry and have their data updated. 

The per capita income of these families must be equal to or less than half the minimum wage, considering the current minimum wage/2023, the per capita income to participate is a maximum of R$620.00.

It is worth noting that Bolsa Família beneficiaries fall under the rules mentioned above. 

Seniors aged 65 or over, and people with disabilities who receive BPC are also entitled to TSEE. 

Furthermore, this group also includes families that have members with illnesses or disabilities who require electrical devices for treatment, with a monthly family income of up to three minimum wages.

What are the discounts on the Social Electricity Tariff?

Discounts on the Social Electricity Tariff vary according to the family's monthly electricity consumption range. 

The lower the consumption, the greater the discount. See the table below:

In addition, indigenous and quilombola families registered with CadÚnico are entitled to a discount of 100% up to a consumption limit of 50 kWh per month.

For consumption of 51 kWh to 100 kWh the discount is 40%, the rest remains the same as in the table above. 

How to apply?

If you or someone in your family who lives in the same house receives BPC, access to the benefit occurs automatically. 

In other words, there is no need to request it, as it is automatically granted to eligible families, thanks to the cross-referencing of information that occurs between the Ministry of Citizenship and energy distributors. 

Bolsa Família beneficiaries need to go to CRAS with an electricity bill and request inclusion.

Another way to request is directly on the website or agency of the electricity company in your city. 

For example, on the Coelba website, you will find a specific field to request the TSEE.

If you are a BPC beneficiary but do not yet receive this discount, you can also request it directly from the electricity distribution company in your city. 

Elderly people and people with disabilities who do not receive BPC, but are protected by LOAS, can also request it.

However, you need to go to the INSS to request the NB, without this number, it is not possible to request it.  

Conclusion

THE Social Electricity Tariff It is a right of many Brazilians and can help them pay less on their electricity bill, easing their pockets and contributing to the conscious use of energy. 

Therefore, if you meet the criteria, be sure to take advantage of this opportunity and ensure this benefit for your family. 

Written by Nara Updated on November 28, 2023