The National Government has announced modifications to the maximum subsidized consumption limits and bonuses on wholesale prices of electricity and natural gas for users at levels N2 (low income) and N3 (medium income), valid during the so-called Period of Transition, which covers from June to November 30, 2024, as established in Decree No. 465/24.
Change towards a Targeted Subsidy Regime
With these modifications, the transition from a generalized subsidy system to a more focused one begins. This new scheme will allow users to know the cost of the kWh of electrical energy and the m³ of natural gas, which will be uniform for everyone, but with state assistance adjusted according to the payment capacity of each user. This measure seeks to eliminate opacity in the rates paid by end users.
New Bonus Consumption Limits
Natural gas:
- N1 (high income): Without limits.
- N3: They maintain the current limits according to Resolution of the Ministry of Energy No. 686.
- N2: The same consumption limits apply as for the N3.
Electric power:
- N1: Without limits.
- N3: New cap of 250 kWh/month, replacing the previous 400 kWh/month.
- N2: Maximum of 350 kWh/month, eliminating previous unlimited consumption, to encourage efficient and responsible use.
Special Regions
For users without access to the natural gas service through networks and indiluted propane gas through networks, located in specific bioclimatic zones, the new consumption limits between June 1 and August 31, 2024 will be:
- N3: 500 kWh/month.
- N2: 700 kWh/month.
Wholesale Price Bonuses
Natural gas:
- N1: Without bonus, they pay the PIST (Point of Entry to the Transportation System) price.
- N3: They pay 55% of the gas price in PIST.
- N2: They pay 64% of the gas price in PIST.
Electric power:
- N1: Without a bonus, they pay the PEST price set by the Ministry of Energy.
- N3: They pay 55.94% of the price defined for N1.
- N2: They pay 71.92% of the price defined for N1.
Maintenance of Specific Subsidies
Specific subsidy regimes, such as the Social Rate and the Cold Zone, will be maintained. Bonuses will also be applied to the price of natural gas and electricity for Public Good entities, Neighborhood and Town Clubs, and other categories of non-profit users, in accordance with Laws No. 27,218 and 27,098.
Recommendations and Registry of Access to Energy Subsidies (RASE)
Users who have already registered in the Registry of Access to Energy Subsidies (RASE) do not need to register again. The Government emphasizes the importance of efficient and responsible use of energy, especially in the winter season, to contribute to fiscal balance without neglecting vulnerable users.
These measures seek to guarantee the sustainability and transparency of the energy subsidy system, while promoting a more conscious and balanced consumption of the country’s energy resources.
