Social Electricity Bonus: what it is and who can apply
Ubuntu Canarias · 2 min read
Electricity bills weigh heavily on many households. There is a form of help that few people know about, or that they don't request because they think it isn't for them: the Social Electricity Bonus (Bono Social Eléctrico). It is a discount on the bill for low-income households or families in certain situations.
Can migrants apply?
Yes, as long as they meet the requirements. Nationality alone does not decide whether you are entitled to it. You do need a valid identity document (DNI or NIE), so a person without an NIE cannot apply in their own name.
What you need
- A valid DNI or NIE.
- To be registered (empadronado/a) at the home where you usually live.
- The electricity contract in your name.
- To be on the regulated tariff (PVPC), or to request a change to it.
- To meet the income or family requirements.
One of the most common obstacles is the contract. If you rent a room, or the electricity contract is in the landlord's name, you will not be able to apply, even if you meet everything else. It is worth checking this before you start gathering papers.
Documents they usually ask for
The signed application form, the DNI or NIE of the relevant members of the household and the registration certificate (certificado de empadronamiento). Depending on the case, also the family book (libro de familia) or an equivalent document, the large-family certificate or other documents proving special circumstances.
Thermal Social Bonus
This is financial help for heating, hot water and other home energy uses. You don't need to apply for it separately: it goes to people who have the Social Electricity Bonus and meet the conditions.
Where to apply
The bonus is requested from a reference electricity supplier (comercializadora de referencia). In the Canary Islands, the most common one is Energía XXI: energiaxxi.com/es/bono-social.
There are other reference suppliers as well. If your contract is with a company on the free market, you will first need to switch to the regulated tariff.
If you have questions
Every situation is different. If you are not sure whether you meet the requirements, or you have problems with a document, write to us and we will go through it with you.
Ubuntu Canarias shares this information to make it easier for migrants and families who may need them to access resources and support.