Everyone loves a good deal, right? Especially when it comes to monthly bills. For many years, a common question has been whether senior citizens, often the backbone of our communities, can get a special break on their electricity costs. It’s a reasonable thought, given other benefits offered to older adults. But what’s the real story behind electricity bill discounts? Let’s take a closer look.
Many people wonder if being an older adult comes with a special discount on their power bill. It’s a recurring question, especially for those holding an INAPAM card. You might hope for a lower rate on your energy usage. But the truth is a bit more complex.
The Electricity Company’s Standard Practice
The national electricity company, CFE, doesn’t typically hand out special discounts easily. It’s not that the company wants to charge more. Instead, it already includes a form of cost reduction in what you pay for your energy. Think of it as a built-in saving.
If you peek at your electricity bill, usually at the bottom, you’ll spot a line item. It often says “government support” and shows a specific amount. This support varies based on how much electricity you use each month or every two months. For example, some users have seen this support amount at 387 pesos, while others might see 206 pesos on their latest bill. This government support can disappear if your energy consumption goes over a certain high limit.
Beyond this general support, the electricity company offers discounts only during specific times of the year. For instance, in summer, CFE activates a subsidy for users struggling with extreme heatwaves. This discount helps reduce costs during the hottest months. It often stays in place even when cooler, rainy weather starts. This summer discount applies to all users, regardless of their age.
So, if you’re hoping your grandmother can get a special discount just for being over 60, sadly, that’s not currently the case. This also applies to people with disabilities; they don’t receive special electricity bill reductions either.
INAPAM Benefits and Common Misunderstandings
The INAPAM institution, which supports older adults, has stated for years that it has no agreement with the electricity company. This means that INAPAM cardholders do not receive any discounts on their power bills.
Recently, the CFE itself clarified this. There were rumors circulating about a new agreement between CFE and INAPAM, suggesting beneficiaries would pay less. However, CFE debunked these rumors. It’s really important for older adults to be careful. There are often scams where people promise help getting discounts from the power company in exchange for money. These offers are always fake. Warn your older family members to avoid falling for such tricks.
But don’t lose heart if you are over 60. Your special INAPAM card is still very valuable. It offers discounts on many other services, which can certainly help your budget.
Here’s a list of areas where INAPAM cardholders can enjoy savings:
- Food products at participating stores.
- Legal services.
- Flights and bus tickets for travel.
- Cultural events and recreational activities.
- Water utility bills and property taxes.
- Medicine purchases.
To get all the details, it’s best to check the INAPAM website. You can also visit your nearest INAPAM office. They can provide a full list of places where you’ll receive discounts just for being an older adult.
For now, it’s worth keeping an eye out. The electricity company might decide to offer specific discounts to older people in the future. But for the moment, if you live in areas with very high temperatures, you can access the summer discount. Remember, this applies to everyone, no matter their age.
It might not seem like much now, but someday you’ll reach that age. You too will be able to enjoy the benefits that come with it. INAPAM has been working for over 40 years to improve the lives of its members. Even without electricity discounts, it offers valuable savings in many other important areas.