Abstract

CHEVEZ, Pedro; SAN JUAN, Gustavo  and  MARTINI, Irene. Scope and limitations of the electrical 'social tariff' in informal urbanizations: La Plata, Buenos Aires. Estudios Socioterritoriales [online]. 2019, vol.26. ISSN 1853-4392.

This paper analyzes the electricity demand in houses located in informal urbanizations in the city of La Plata, with the objective of determining the scope/limitations of the 'social tariff' and its impact on energy poverty. A calculation model was developed that uses variables associated with housing, energy equipment and its intensity of use, considering two working hypotheses ('base' and 'expanded'). This model allowed to calculate the average consumption of electricity, the cost of the service, make a comparison between neighborhoods and between homes located in 'informal urbanizations' and in the 'formal city'.The results indicate that the block subsidized by the 'social tariff' (150 kWh/month) is exceeded during all months of the year by the average consumption of the surveyed homes and that the average cost represents 10% of a minimum wage in July.

Keywords : Social tariff; Electricity; Informal settlements; La Plata city.