Serbia Reduces Utility Bills for Nearly 200,000 Households
Translated from Serbian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
TLDR
- 193,000 households in Serbia have received reduced utility bills for electricity, gas, or heating, ranging from 20% to 60% during the heating season.
- This marks the largest number of households to benefit from state support for energy costs, with 100,000 pensioners receiving automatic monthly electricity bill reductions.
- The Ministry is encouraging eligible citizens, including those receiving social assistance and families with low incomes, to apply for the status of an energy-vulnerable customer.
Serbia is taking significant steps to alleviate the energy burden on its citizens, particularly those most vulnerable. Minister of Mining and Energy, Dubravka ฤedoviฤ Handanoviฤ, announced that a record 193,000 households have benefited from reduced utility bills, a testament to the government's commitment to social welfare.
This is the largest number of households to date that, with the support of the state, have received reduced energy bills.
The program, which offers discounts of 20% to 60% on electricity, gas, and heating, has provided crucial relief during the demanding winter months. The automatic reduction for pensioners with minimal pensions and the inclusion of military invalids and veterans highlight a targeted approach to support those in need. This initiative not only eases financial strain but also ensures access to essential energy services.
For the first time, military invalids and veterans had the opportunity to apply and reduce their bills, and as many as 30,000 households in this category have utilized it.
Beyond immediate relief, the Ministry is actively encouraging broader participation. Citizens receiving various forms of social assistance and families facing financial hardship are urged to apply for the status of an energy-vulnerable customer. The updated criteria, which adjust income thresholds based on inflation, ensure that the program remains accessible and relevant to the evolving economic landscape. This proactive measure underscores Serbia's dedication to protecting its citizens and fostering a more equitable society.
Citizens who are entitled to monetary social assistance, increased monetary social assistance, child allowance, increased allowance for care and assistance of another person, as well as families with lower material status, should apply for the status of an energy-vulnerable customer.
Originally published by N1 Serbia in Serbian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.