April 10, 2026
Bono Social: How to Get Up to 40% Off Your Electricity Bill in Spain
The Bono Social is Spain’s official electricity discount program for low-income and vulnerable households. It can reduce your electricity bill by up to 40% — yet many eligible people don’t know it exists or think the application process is too complicated. It’s actually straightforward.
What Is the Bono Social?
The Bono Social is a government-mandated discount on electricity for households that meet certain income and vulnerability criteria. It applies to the energy consumption part of your bill (not the fixed power charges or taxes).
Discount Levels
The discount depends on your category:
- Vulnerable consumer: 25% discount
- Severely vulnerable consumer: 40% discount
- Severely vulnerable consumer at risk of social exclusion: 40% discount + protection against disconnection
Additionally, beneficiaries automatically receive the Bono Social Térmico — an annual payment of €35-375 to help with heating costs (gas, wood, or other fuels), paid directly to your bank account each winter.
Who Qualifies?
Basic Requirements (All Categories)
- You must be on the regulated hourly tariff (not a fixed-rate contract)
- Your contracted power must be 10 kW or less
- The supply must be your primary residence
- You must be the contract holder
Income Thresholds
Eligibility is based on your household income relative to the IPREM (a public income indicator, currently around €600/month or €8,400/year for 14 payments).
Vulnerable consumer (25% discount):
- Single person: income under 1.5x IPREM (~€12,600/year)
- Family with fewer than 2 children: under 2x IPREM (~€16,800/year)
- Family with 2+ children: under 2.5x IPREM (~€21,000/year)
Severely vulnerable consumer (40% discount):
- Single person: income under 1x IPREM (~€8,400/year)
- Family with fewer than 2 children: under 1.5x IPREM (~€12,600/year)
- Family with 2+ children: under 2x IPREM (~€16,800/year)
Automatic Qualification
You automatically qualify regardless of income if you are:
- A recipient of the minimum vital income (Ingreso Mínimo Vital)
- A pensioner receiving the minimum pension
- A member of a large family (familia numerosa)
- A household where all members are unemployed
How to Apply
Switch to the regulated tariff if you’re not already on it. Contact any reference marketer (Endesa, Iberdrola, Naturgy, or EDP).
Gather your documents:
- DNI/NIE of the contract holder
- Certificate of empadronamiento (registration at your local town hall)
- Income documentation (declaración de la renta or certificate of income)
- Family book (libro de familia) if applicable
- Certificate from Social Services if applying for the severe vulnerability category
Submit your application to your electricity provider (must be a reference marketer). You can do this:
- Online through the provider’s website
- By phone
- At a physical office
Wait for approval — typically takes 10-15 business days.
The discount is applied automatically to your bills once approved. You don’t need to reapply each month.
How Much Can You Save?
For a typical household consuming 2,500 kWh/year on the regulated tariff:
| Category | Annual Energy Cost | With Bono Social | Annual Saving |
|---|---|---|---|
| No discount | ~€350 | — | — |
| Vulnerable (25%) | ~€350 | ~€263 | ~€87 |
| Severely vulnerable (40%) | ~€350 | ~€210 | ~€140 |
Plus the Bono Social Térmico payment (€35-375/year depending on your location and situation).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Being on a fixed-rate contract — The Bono Social is only available with the regulated tariff. You must switch first.
- Not being the contract holder — If the contract is in your landlord’s name, you won’t qualify. Ask to transfer the contract to your name (it’s free).
- Not renewing — The Bono Social needs to be renewed every 2 years. Your provider will notify you, but don’t ignore the renewal notice.
- Exceeding the consumption limit — The discount applies to a maximum consumption level. Usage above this limit is charged at the normal rate.
It’s Worth Checking
Even if you think you might not qualify, it’s worth checking. The income thresholds are higher than many people expect, and the application is free. The worst that can happen is your application is denied — you lose nothing by trying.
If you’re an expat, retiree on a modest pension, or a young family, there’s a good chance you qualify for at least the 25% discount.