Public service subsidies in Colombia: How are they applied depending on the social class?

In Colombia, the national government has established a series of subsidies that help cover a percentage of the costs of basic public services such as energy, water, and gas for low-income families. This type of assistance is provided to guarantee access to basic services.

The system that grants subsidies is based on socioeconomic stratification, a mechanism that classifies housing into six strata (1 to 6), where strata 1, 2 and 3 receive subsidies, while strata 5 and 6 pay contributions that help finance the subsidies granted.

The Drinking Water and Basic Sanitation Regulation Commission (CRA) explains in its frequently asked questions the maximum percentage subsidized by social stratum for basic services.

The organization says it's important to keep in mind that in Colombia, housing is classified according to social class, location, infrastructure , and socioeconomic status, so the least fortunate receive a subsidy as follows.

"These subsidies apply to residential water and sewerage services for the fixed charge ($/subscriber) and the consumption charge ($/m3), based on basic consumption based on the altitude above sea level of cities and municipalities," explains the website of the Drinking Water and Basic Sanitation Regulation Commission.

It's also important to mention that stratum 4 homes do not receive any type of subsidy and do not pay contributions.

On the other hand, those who live in houses and buildings in strata 5 and 6 face additional bills of up to 20%. This additional money is used to finance subsidies.

It's worth mentioning that these types of subsidies are automatically applied upon billing, without the need to apply for them. The only requirement is that the home is properly stratified.

ALEJANDRA HERNÁNDEZ TORRES

DIGITAL REACH EDITORIAL