Tributos e encargos na tarifa de energia elétrica: uma análise sob o ponto de vista do consumidor e da política de tarifa social

Abstract

The access to electricity is essential for the improvement of the quality of life and welfare of the citizens. Therefore, it is necessary to create social policies in case of deficient access to this utility. Aiming at boosting the quality of life and the welfare of the population, the current Brazilian governmental program applies a special taxation system for the low income families, which grants them gradual discounts according to their home consumption. However, in the last years, the electricity tax has been used to raise funds for the government through an increasing tax load, which increases the utility price and restricts its consumption. As a result, the consumers welfare is negatively affected. Before this apparently paradoxical situation, it is important to discuss its effect and analyze alternatives to improve the adopted social policy. That is the aim of this study. Firstly, the effects on the consumers welfare resulting not only from the increase of electricity charges and taxation but also from the social program for low income families will be studied. Secondly, by comparing these two contradictory effects, the predominant one, that is, the net profit, will be estimated. Finally, a proposal for different alternatives of a discount policy in electricity charges and taxation will be examined.