Electricity Social Bonus and thermal Social Bonus: new features you should know about

The Spanish Government has adopted the Electricity Social Bonus and the Thermal Social Bonus as measures tto support vulnerable families. In this post, we’ll walk you through the most recent updates.

Updates to the Electricity Social Bonus

1. Percentage discount on electricity bills

The Electricity Social Bonus has two categories: vulnerable consumers and consumers in severely vulnerable situations. The most recent regulations progressively adjust the following discount percentages:

Vulnerable consumers

• 57.5% discount from 1 October to 31 December, 2024.
• 50% discount from 1 January to 31 March, 2025.
• 42.5% discount from 1 April to 30 June, 2025.
• 35% discount starting 1 July, 2025.

Severely vulnerable consumers

• 72.5% discount from 1 October to 31 December, 2024.
• 65% discount from 1 January to 31 March, 2025.
• 57.5% discount from 1 April to 30 June, 2025.
• 50% discount starting 1 July, 2025.

2. Electricity consumption threshold for discount eligibility

A consumption limit applies to qualify for the Electricity Social Bonus. Once this consumption limit is exceeded, the discounted kWh prices for social bonus beneficiaries will no longer apply, and the electricity consumed will be billed at the VPSC rate. The specific consumption limits are as follows:

• Single household unit / single applicant - Pensioners: 185 kWh of electricity consumed per month and 2,222 kWh per year.
• Single household unit / single applicant: 132 kWh/month and 1,587 kWh/year.
• Household unit with one dependent child: 185 kWh/month and 2,222 kWh/year.
• Household unit with two dependent children: 224 kWh/month and 2,698 kWh/year.
• Large family household unit: 396 kWh/month and 4,761 kWh/year.

3. End of the Electricity Justice Social Bonus

The Electricity Justice Social Bonus, aimed at low-income workers, ended on 30 June, 2024. As a result, no extension will be provided for these consumers to continue to benefit from the Social Bonus.

4. Simplified procedures

The application process for new applicants has been streamlined. A sworn statement is now sufficient to confirm marital status and household composition, significantly reducing the documentation required.

Updates to the Thermal Social Bonus

Additionally, an increase in the minimum subsidy per beneficiary of the Thermal Social Bonus has been approved raising it from €25 to 40. The aim is to help offset the costs of thermal consumption such as heating, hot water, or gas cookers. The final amount will depend on the consumer’s climate zone and category.

How to apply for the Electricity Social Bonus

To apply for the Electricity Social Bonus, contact your Provider of Last Resort (POLR). This type of suppliers offer regulated market tariffs (VPSC).

You will need to attach the following documentation:

• Electricity Social Bonus application form. This can be downloaded from the LRR websites or physically filled in at one of their offices.
• Photocopy of identity document or Foreign Resident document for all members of the family unit.
• Current official certificate of registration, which includes all members of the family unit.
• If it is a family unit, you will need to present the official family registration book, marriage certificates, birth certificates, registration of being a de facto couple or official documentation that accredits it. From now on, to accredit a cohabitation unit, only a sworn statement will be required.
• Officially registered large families (3 or more minors) should provide a photocopy of the current certificate in force.
• Single-parent families should submit a copy of the official family registration book and certificate of registration in force.
• If any member of the cohabitation unit falls within any of the following categories, it is mandatory to provide supporting documentation from the social services:
  • Recognised disability equal to or greater than 33%.
  • Victim of gender violence.
  • Victim of terrorism.
  • Recognised Grade II or III dependency.

Remember that once you are granted the Electricity Social Bonus, you will also be eligible for the Thermal Social Bonus. The subsidy amount for the Thermal Social Bonus is determined by your climate zone and consumer category.

To check whether you meet the requirements to apply for the Thermal Social Bonus as a vulnerable consumer or consumer in a situation of severe vulnerability, take a look at this content.

And remember, in some cases you’ll need to renew your Social Bonus to continue to benefit from it.