THE electricity bill has become a constant concern for many Spanish households, and with the new changes in the Social bonusthe situation becomes even more complicated. This aid, intended to alleviate the economic burden of vulnerable households, is subject to a series of adjustments which directly affect the beneficiaries. Since October, the premiums offered by this bonus have been gradually reduced, which can represent a major economic blow for thousands of families who already have difficulty covering the basic costs of electricity.
The Social Bonus, a measure which aims to alleviate energy povertyhas been a fundamental tool for many low-income families, helping to reduce the cost of electricity. This bonus was structured to benefit two types of users: vulnerable consumers and very vulnerable consumers, who could benefit from reductions of up to 80% on their electricity bills. However, this aid scheme was modified and the Applicable discounts will be reduced quarter by quarter until 2025. This means that affected households will receive less and less economic aid, resulting in an increase in the final amount of their bills. This change, which responds to the measures of the Ministry of Ecological Transition, aims to adjust the Social Bonus in the current context of energy crisis, But for many families, this represents news that can affect their electricity bill. The reduction in premiums will have a direct impact on their savings, especially during the winter season when electricity consumption increases, and those who cannot meet the requirements will also see their access to this aid restricted.
How did the Social Bonus work and what changes are being introduced?
The Social Bonus was aimed at consumers who, due to their reduced income, cannot bear the full cost of electricity, especially during the colder months of the year. Until now, beneficiaries of this aid benefited from a significant reduction on their electricity bills: vulnerable consumers could benefit from a reduction of up to 65%, while those considered seriously vulnerable received up to 80%. In addition, There was an additional Thermal Social Bonus which reduced heating and hot water costs.
Since October 2024, the Government has initiated a series of progressive reductions in Social Bonus premiums. These adjustments are made every three months with a 7.5% reduction in the discount percentagewhich means that the Vulnerable consumers will receive a 57% reduction and severely vulnerable consumers will receive a 72.5% reduction. in the last quarter of 2024. In 2025, these premiums will continue to decrease, dropping to 35% and 50% respectively.by July 2025, with the aim of making aid more sustainable in the long term.
The direct impact on the electricity bill
For those who relied on the Social Bonus for financial support, these changes mean an immediate increase in their bills. Families who previously benefited from a 65% reduction on their electricity bill will now have to make do with 57%, and this figure will continue to fall. This assumes an increase in electricity expenses for vulnerable householdsespecially when heating demand is high during the winter months.
Another factor that adds pressure is the ceiling on the quantity of electricity covered by the Social Bonus. Families who exceed the subsidized annual energy cap will have to pay the full price for the additional consumption, which becomes a financial challenge in low-income situations. With energy prices constantly rising, any additional expenditure can lead many households to limit their heating consumption, compromising their well-being during the months of highest energy demand.
Who can access the Social Bonus and what conditions must they meet?
To access the Social Bonus, it is necessary to meet certain conditions. Beneficiaries must have subscribed to a regulated package (PVPC) with a power equal to or less than 10 kW in your usual residence. Additionally, they must meet one of the following criteria:
- Vulnerable consumer: Are considered people whose income does not exceed double the IPREM (16,212.56 euros per year) if they live alone, and up to four times the IPREM in families with two children. Those who have a large family title or who are retired with the established minimum amount can also apply.
- Severely vulnerable consumer: In this case, the income must be less than 75% of the IPREM, which varies depending on the number of members of the family unit.
Likewise, the consumers at risk of social exclusionthose who receive help from social services, They can benefit from the Social Bonus if they finance at least 50% of the bill. However, this group could face greater difficulties accessing support in the context of the new adjustments, which tighten criteria and limit bonuses.
Limited consumption and need to renew the Social Bonus
He The Social Bonus also establishes annual consumption limits which vary depending on the type of family unit.. This means that large families or those with several minor members can receive a discount only within a certain kilowatt limit, and any additional consumption will be charged without a bonus. These limits are reviewed periodically and, in many cases, are insufficient to cover the average family’s actual expenses during the winter.
For those who are already beneficiaries, It is essential to keep in mind that the Social Bonus must be renewed every two years. In the case of large families, assistance is extended as long as the large family title is valid. If the benefit is not renewed on time, access to the reduction could be suspended, thus creating an even heavier financial burden for households.
