The economic impact of the pandemic has been significant throughout the world, and Chile has been no exception. One of the most important expenses for Chilean homes is electricityespecially during the season autumn and winterwhen the use of heating and other appliances increases.
However, this year, Chileans face an additional challenge: the increase in electricity bill rates.
During the pandemic, the Chilean government froze electricity rates to ease the financial burden on households. However, now prices are rising again. This increase will be implemented gradually over the coming years to stabilize costs and avoid a sudden and severe economic impact on households..
Understanding that this increase may be a burden for many, The government has implemented a temporary economic benefit subsidy.
This subsidy, called Electricity Subsidy, will allow the most vulnerable households in the country to access a monthly discount on their electricity bills.
It is estimated that this subsidy will benefit 1.5 million households throughout the country, which is equivalent to nearly 3 million people.
The application for this subsidy will be semiannual.. The first Call begins on Monday, July 1, 2024 at 00:00 and ends on Sunday, July 14 at 11:59 p.m.
The results of each application will be revealed on the same site in mid-September.
To apply, Those interested should visit the website subsidyelectrico.cl and access your account through the ClaveÚnica.
Once inside the platform, the following data will be requested:
- Region and commune
- Electric company or cooperative that delivers the supply
- Customer identification number
- Contact E-Mail
Once the application is complete, the user will receive an email with all the details of the process.
This subsidy is temporary, which means that it will be delivered semiannually starting in the second half of this year.
To maintain the benefit in the coming semesters, New calls will be opened in which people must apply again, meeting the required requirements.
The dates of these new calls will be announced in advance.
The requirements to apply for the Electricity Subsidy are the following:
- live in a household belonging to the 40% most vulnerable section in the Social Registry of Households (RSH)
- Stay up to date with payment of electricity bills
In case of default, it will be necessary to renegotiate the debt or process a payment agreement with the electricity distribution companies.
Users who are not up to date on their electricity bill may approach their distribution company to agree on payment terms for their debt. Likewise, companies will provide special conditions for clients who are within the most vulnerable 40% of the population.
Besides, The Government will apply an automatic 30% discount on the electricity bills of all families in Tocopilla, Mejillones, Huasco, Quintero, Puchuncaví and Coronel.
To receive this discount it is not necessary to apply and it will be applied directly to the accounts starting in July.
