Social tariff: how to request a discount on electricity

Brazil, a nation with a vast territorial extension and a large number of inhabitants, is looking for ways to reduce poverty in its territory. One initiative in this regard is the Social Tariff program, created by the Federal Government in 2003, which provides discounts on electricity bills for low-income families.

After its launch, responsibility for the program was transferred to states and municipalities, and the Cadastro Único became a fundamental requirement to access the benefit. Currently, the objective of the program remains the same: to be a public policy that improves the living conditions of the neediest families.

Throughout this article, you'll have the opportunity to learn how to enroll in the program, see if you meet the requirements for the electricity bill discount, and much more. This benefit has been essential for thousands of families in search of a more dignified life. The discount percentage varies according to electricity consumption, as will be detailed below:

How does the Social Tariff work?

The program known as the Social Electricity Tariff (TSEE) is a social benefit created by the Federal Government for low-income people. Through this program, it is possible to receive discounts on the electricity bill that vary between 10% and 65%, depending on the consumption range.

The main rule of the Social Tariff program is that the maximum allowed consumption is 220 kWh. The biggest discounts (65%) are given to those who consume up to 30 kWh per month. Those who consume from 31 kWh to 100 kWh per month are entitled to a 40% discount.

Finally, consumers who consume between 101 and 220 kilowatt-hours per month are entitled to the lowest discount on their electricity bill, which is 10%. This information was released by ANEEL (National Electric Energy Agency).

Who is entitled to the Social Tariff?

All families that have a monthly income of up to half the minimum wage per person (R$ 651) have the right to access the program. To qualify for the program, it is important to be registered with CadÚnico, which is the Federal Government's database used to select families who are entitled to benefits and social programs.

In addition to this group, families that have members with illnesses or disabilities who need medical treatment with the continuous use of high-consumption electrical appliances can also receive the Social Tariff benefit. Families with seniors over 65 are also covered by the program.

In the case of families with disabled and elderly people, the requirement is different: it is necessary to prove a maximum income of up to 3 minimum wages (R$ 3,906). Receiving the Benefit of Continued Benefit (BPC) also helps in verifying the data.

How to apply for the Social Energy Tariff

The process to apply for the Social Tariff benefit is easy to follow. To begin with, you need to get in touch with the CRAS (Social Assistance Reference Center), which is linked to the city halls. This body is responsible for the records and benefits of social programs.

It is crucial to be aware that the lack of registration information or the failure to update documents may result in loss of benefit. Ideally, review and update every two years. CRAS usually offers personal assistance in units connected to the municipal secretariats.

Another alternative to requesting the Social Tariff benefit is to apply online through the website of the concessionaire that provides services in your region. In the state of São Paulo, registration can be done through the websites of Eletropaulo, CPFL, EDP, Elektro and Energisa.

Necessary documents

Those who are entitled to a benefit, either in person or digitally, need to present some documents to register. The first document required is the CPF or voter registration card of the person responsible for the family, which can be the same used in the Single Registry.

In addition, all other family members also need to present their own documents. This includes children, wives or husbands, who must present at least one of the following documents: birth or marriage certificate, CPF or identity card, or voter registration card.

How to register online

Those who do not yet have a CadÚnico registration, which is essential to participate in the Social Electricity Tariff, can Start the process online. The Cadastro Único application is free and can be downloaded on virtually all types of cell phones.

And it also has the web version. In both situations it is possible to start the pre-registration informing the personal data of the responsible person and documents of the family members. However, this is just the beginning. Afterwards, the citizen has up to 4 months to go to a service point to complete the registration.

At the service station, it is necessary to present other documents, such as those supplementing the necessary information. The service team also visualizes the information regarding the schooling and work, in addition to the members' monthly income.