The long way to determine the removal of subsidies on electricity and gas tariffs

Tariff segmentation still has a long way to go. Over the next 15 days, the Secretary of Energy must prepare a report that he establishes the new values ​​of light and gas which will be paid for by the families who lose their benefits. Once you do that, that same addiction should instruct the regulators (Enargas, for gas tariffs throughout the national territory, and Enre, for electricity bills in Buenos Aires) to carry out a new tariff.

These new rates will only be applicable during this year to higher income segments, who earn $ 350,000 net monthly (no Christmas bonus), own three cars or three properties.

Ticket increases will be charged by the distributors. In Buenos Aires it will correspond to Edesur and Edenor (in electricity), plus Metrogas and Naturgy (in gas). in those signatures They have not yet received the directions. on what the increases will be or on their implementation. Their estimate is that regulators will send them lists of people and families who will lose benefits. And that companies must identify them and bill them with new values since September.

The government asked all users be noted on the form in the next 15 days. But he will grant another fifteen days, Until August 15th. There you should have the first list with the list of families who want to keep the benefit.

Five million forms may need to be analyzed (only in light in Buenos Aires) in less than 45 days. At the beginning of September, the new values ​​should already be charged to those who lose their subsidies.

The question that all companies ask themselves is how the government will compare the uploaded data with the real information. For example, a home owned and operated by a former owner or retiree. The executive power does not explain this clearly, but the idea is that the subsidies that are kept are “candidates”, i.e. the person receiving it is identifiable. That characteristic could also fall on families.

For example, a tenant who lives in an apartment whose owner has multiple properties will be able to withhold the benefit. If the tenant earns less than $ 350,000, he must indicate on the form that he does not own the home he lives in. This way he detaches himself from the owner, regardless of whether he earns $ 350,000 or owns several properties.

How to detect errors or falsehoods

But there is also a whole Gray area of homes that have services in the name of former owners, retirees or deceased relatives. The government claims it has the tools to identify these possible attempts to falsify information.

What if a person earning $ 350,000 lives in a home whose services are in the name of a deceased former owner or retiree? The government asks you to fill out the form. But, for those who want to keep the subsidy, there is a temptation not to compile it or falsify the information. The state should have the ability to make a map of all families, of the family groups that compose them, of their income.

For families who do not fill out the form, the government may remove the default benefit. In executive power they understand that those who are unwilling to provide information are because they are unable to justify their need to continue receiving subsidies.

Another aspect is the collection of information. Who fills out the formthe Executive Power warns them that it is “a sworn statement” (where you cannot lie), and that you must not “omit or falsify any data”.

But does the government have the tools to determine who is falsifying the data? Will he be able to do it during this month in which he intends to have the padrón?

In the form, the State is authorized “to verify the veracity of all the information that is intended to be provided in the sources available in bodies such as AFIP, SINTyS, ANSES, Real Estate Registers, among others, expressly renouncing to oppose this verification any secret (fiscal , financial or other) required by law “.

fiscal secrecy

Sintys, a system that identifies income, can be used. But using AFIP to cross data can involve legal risks, because it could violate fiscal secrecy.

What happens in the face of the possible “revived”, of families who claim to earn less to maintain subsidies?

Executive Power says it will use its available tools for detect “inconsistencies”, as if someone claims that the service is in the name of a relative, but actually uses it (and could pay the full cost). Power and regulators they will notify distributors that they must remove the subsidies for “Inconsistency” between your declaration and the data reported.

When the family unit receives the pension, is the holder of an allowance or a social program, is enrolled as an electro-dependent, or has a certificate of disability – all reasons to keep the benefits – the Energy Secretariat can check it with Anses. There you will decide to keep the grants.