03Savings guides
Electricity bono social: what it is, who can claim it and how to apply
The bono social applies a discount on your electricity bill for households that meet certain requirements. We explain who is entitled to it, how big the discount is and how to apply for it step by step.
Written by Equipo luzgasia Digital energy advisory · 2 min read
The electricity bono social (social electricity discount) is one of the most useful and, at the same time, least known forms of help for bringing down your electricity bill. If you meet the requirements, it applies a direct discount on the amount you pay. The problem is that many people who would be entitled to it simply do not know.
What the bono social is
It is a regulated discount applied to the energy and power charges on your bill, provided you have the regulated price (the PVPC tariff) contracted with a reference supplier (comercializadora de referencia). It is not an extra that a company sells you: it is a consumer protection mechanism.
The percentage of the discount depends on your situation (vulnerable or severely vulnerable consumer), and there is also a cap on the amount of energy eligible for the discount.
Who can claim it
The requirements are based on the household's income level and on circumstances such as the number of children, disability, or large-family status (familia numerosa). As a guide, the following can usually qualify:
- Households with income below certain thresholds, which rise with the number of family members.
- Large families (familias numerosas).
- Pensioners on minimum benefits.
The exact thresholds are updated periodically, so it is worth checking them at the time you apply.
How to apply, step by step
- Gather the paperwork: DNI of the members of the household, certificate of residence registration (empadronamiento) and proof of income.
- Download and fill in the official bono social application form.
- Send it to your reference supplier through the channels it specifies (email or post).
- Wait for the decision: if it is granted, the discount is applied to your following bills.
The bono social has a limited duration and has to be renewed. Make a note of the expiry date so you do not lose the discount by forgetting.
And if you are not eligible, you can still save
The bono social is just one of the levers for paying less. Even if you do not meet the requirements, there is almost always room to improve in your tariff, your contracted power or the extra services you have been carrying without realising.
With luzgasia you upload your bill and we tell you, in plain language, where your savings are. It is free, secure and with no strings attached. Analyse your bill now and find out in seconds.