Government wants 23.8 million families in electricity bill discount program

The federal government wants to expand the number of families enrolled in the Social Tariff program, which grants discounts of up to 65% on energy tariffs.

President Jair Bolsonaro participated in a ceremony this Tuesday (30) signing a rule by Aneel (National Electric Energy Agency) to automate the inclusion of families already enrolled in government social programs.

The idea is that 11.5 million more families can receive the discounts, adding to the 12.3 million that are already being benefited.

The law on the Social Electricity Tariff was sanctioned in September by Bolsonaro and allows a discount on the bill for the first 220 kWh (kilowatt-hours) consumed. The amount is granted in a staggered way, according to the household consumption.

The measure was approved at a time when the government is facing criticism over the high price of the electricity bill.

According to the program’s rules, families enrolled in the CadÚnico (Single Registry for Social Programs of the Federal Government) with monthly per capita income less than or equal to half the minimum wage (R$550) are entitled to the Social Tariff. See how much is the discount and who is entitled.

Those who receive the BPC (assistance benefit for needy elderly and disabled people) can also be part of the program. Today, those interested in receiving the Social Tariff feature need to apply for registration at the distributors’ unit or in the program by telephone.

Bolsonaro said that the government strives to reduce bureaucracy in access to social programs. “Brazil was one of the most difficult countries to do business in,” he stated.

to afford the costs of activating more thermal plants to guarantee energy supply, the government created the water shortage flag, which is expected to remain in effect until April of next year.

The government is also seeking measures to reduce the cost of purchasing cooking gas and fuel. The idea is to start paying gas aid in December.

Bolsonaro is still betting on Brazil Aid, in the amount of R$ 400. For that, the president again defended that the Senate approve as soon as possible the PEC dos Precatórios, which frees up space in the budget to make the program viable. “The ball is now with the Senate,” he said.