Not all pensioners know, but there is a discount that can reduce your electricity bill every month. The support is called the Social Energy Tariff and is aimed at families with low incomes, including many retirees. It is automatically assigned: the DGEG cross-references data from the Tax Authority and Social Security and the discount is applied directly to the invoice by the supplier.
An automatic discount, without bureaucracy
Attribution is centralized and automatic; the customer is informed by the supplier and, if they say nothing, the discount becomes active on their electricity bill. The condition is reviewed monthly and annually (September). A line such as “Social Tariff” or “Social Discount” should appear on the invoice.
Who is entitled to the social tariff (electricity)
According to , the person entitled is the holder of the contract for domestic use in permanent housing, with contracted power ≤ 6.9 kVA, and:
Benefit from one of the benefits: Solidarity Supplement for the Elderly; Social Insertion Income; Unemployment benefit; Family Allowance (1st level); Social disability pension (special regime) or supplement to the Social Benefit for Inclusion; Social old-age pension; or
Have annual household income ≤ €6,272.64, plus 50% for each household member without income (up to 10, including self).
What about natural gas?
There is also a social tariff on natural gas, with an average discount of 31.2% (before taxes) and exemption from ISPGN. Applies to low pressure domestic contracts with annual consumption of up to 500 m³ (tiers 1 and 2), using the same social/financial criteria.
How much is saved
In electricity, in 2025 the discount is calibrated to 33.8% on transitional tariffs (before taxes) and accumulates with exemption from IEC and partial exemption from CAV. In practice, the typical bill reduction is around c. 30–36%, depending on consumption and power (ERSE example: €36.86 → €23.52, minus €13.34).
How many already benefit
More than 700 thousand customers receive the electricity discount; in August 2024, there were 775,585 in electricity and 57,667 in natural gas.
How to confirm and resolve failures
If you meet the criteria and the discount does not appear on the invoice, confirm that the contract holder matches the beneficiary and ask your supplier for verification (EDP, Galp, Endesa, Iberdrola, etc.) or contact the DGEG line.
Who finances
The financing of the social tariff applies to electrical producers and suppliers (and other agents who buy from wholesalers), and ERSE is responsible for operationalizing it.
When the benefit is lost
If you no longer meet the requirements (for example, the CSI/RSI ceases or the income threshold is exceeded), the DGEG/AT/Social Security detects it during the review and the discount is automatically withdrawn.
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