How long can you go without paying your energy bill before cutting?

With the big problems of unemployment and inflation, millions of low-income families have lost their purchasing power and struggle to cover all expenses, such as food and energy bills. Find out the maximum deadline to pay your energy bill before you cut it.

Data from the National Confederation of Shopkeepers (CNDL) and the Credit Protection Service (SPC) indicate that the energy bill is the second expense in which Brazilians experience more delays, after only debts with banks. Although basic, the energy bill can be left in the background so that expenses such as food are guaranteed when income is low.

Limit to pay the energy bill

The supplier may cut off the power of the user after 30 days of default, according to the law. The cut-off can be made up to 90 days of delay, after the deadline, the delay will be on behalf of justice and it will not be possible to suspend the electricity supply.

The National Electric Energy Agency (Aneel) rules specify that suppliers must inform the customer of the suspension 15 days before the procedure. If the power is cut off earlier, the user can get compensation. By accumulating energy bills, the company can be sought to negotiate debts, and avoid blackouts.

Energy bill social tariff

Low-income families registered in Cadastro Único (CadÚnico) or who have a family member receiving BPC can request a discount on their TSEE energy bill.

The discount offered by the federal government is determined according to the household’s monthly energy consumption, which ranges from 10% to 65%, up to a consumption limit of 220 kWh.

• 65% off up to 30 kWh.
• 40% discount on consumption from 31 kWh to 100 kWh
• 10% discount for consumption from 101 kWh to 220 kWh

Eligible families registered with CadÚnico will receive the discount automatically, without the need to register.