Social Tariff: sanitation inclusion and benefits for the population
BRK carries out a social program in its units to provide low-income population with access to water and sewage services
Access to clean water and sanitation is a fundamental human right. Promoting mechanisms for everyone to have access to these services, especially the most vulnerable populations, must be a commitment. The payment of tariffs is essential for sanitation companies to continue investing in the expansion and maintenance of collection, treatment and supply networks and systems.
Payment for water services should not commit more than 3% of a person’s monthly income, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The financial impact of sewage services, according to the entity, should not exceed 2%.
One of the mechanisms instituted in Brazil to guarantee this balance is the social tariff. Low-income families can enjoy the benefit in some municipalities, with discounts on rates charged by companies
Around 140 thousand people fall into this category in more than 15 business units. In these locations, customers remain compliant and, therefore, enjoy quality sanitation, with a direct impact on various aspects such as health, leisure, family relationships, learning and careers.
Many customers do not know that they are entitled to this social tariff. Therefore, it is important to seek and understand the specific criteria for each municipality in order to enjoy this important benefit.
Approximately 140 thousand people are benefited in 15 regions served by BRK.
New regulatory framework
In August 2021, a bill (PL 9543/18) for the institution of the national social tariff for water and sewage was approved by the Finance and Taxation Committee of the House of Representatives. The project provides for a discount of up to 40% in the tariff for low-income families who have a maximum monthly consumption of 10 cubic meters.
Currently, the application of the social tariff is not yet mandatory by Brazilian legislation and occurs only in some states. The national tariff is one of the changes proposed under the new Legal Basic Sanitation Framework (Law No. 14,026/2020), sanctioned in 2020.
