Around 3 thousand families in Petrolina could lose free energy bills if they do not update their registration

Around 3 thousand families in Petrolina may lose free energy bills if they do not update their registration Disclosure Approximately 3 thousand customers registered with the Social Electricity Tariff (TSEE) in Petrolina, in the Sertão of Pernambuco, may lose the benefit of free access to the first 80 kWh consumed if they do not update their registration data. The number represents 14.59% of those enrolled in the program in the state, according to Neoenergia. ?:Download the g1 app to see news from Petrolina and the region in real time and for free. The new rules came into effect in January 2026. According to Federal Government regulations, the energy account must be held in the name of the family responsible registered in the Single Registry (CadÚnico), the beneficiary of the Continuous Payment Benefit (BPC) or a member of the same registered family group. Furthermore, the address of the consumer unit must be the same as that reported in CadÚnico or, in the case of BPC/LOAS beneficiaries, in the National Social Security Institute (INSS) register, without discrepancies. According to Neoenergia Pernambuco, consumers with consumption of up to 80 kWh per month are entitled to free tariffs. If the registration situation is not regularized, families may start paying around R$80 per month on their energy bill, in addition to the Public Lighting Contribution, according to municipal legislation. The concessionaire informed that the change aims to prevent fraud and ensure that the benefit goes to those who meet the program criteria. With the new requirements, inconsistencies between account ownership and social registration data may result in automatic loss of benefit. To maintain the right to the Social Tariff, beneficiaries must update their data in CadÚnico, especially in cases of change of address or family composition. The procedure can be carried out at the municipality's Social Assistance Reference Center (CRAS). In the case of BPC/LOAS beneficiaries, the address update must be done at an INSS agency. If the energy bill is not in the name of one of the beneficiaries, it will also be necessary to request a change of ownership through Neoenergia Pernambuco's digital channels, such as the website and app, or at in-person service stores, upon presentation of an identification document and consumer unit number.