The current N1, N2 and N3/Dia categories have been cancelled
The national government introduced the New Energy Subsidy Scheme, which covers electricity, natural gas, cylinder (LPG) and propane gas services through grids. This measure, which will also affect the city, replaces the current system and establishes a new model in the relationship between the state, supplying companies and residential users.
As we have explained, the official intention is to simplify the benefit structure, make the true costs of the system transparent, and reduce the financial expenditure allocated to assessing aid. However, these changes will mean an increase in interest rates, which will hit the pockets of La Plata residents directly.
Unified scheme
The main change is the abolition of the current N1, N2 and N3 categories, as well as all parallel assistance programmes. Instead, a single support system will be implemented, to which only families whose income does not exceed the equivalent of the value of three total basic baskets (about $3,641,397 per month) will be able to access it.
Integration into the new system will be automatic for those currently receiving benefits. On the other hand, bottled or networked propane users who were never registered must register as of January 2026 to get the benefit.
Application of subsidies
The reduction in the final cost for users will be concentrated in the periods that witness the greatest energy consumption, with the aim of reducing seasonal peak periods.
In the field of electricity, a 50 percent bonus will be applied up to consumption of 300 kWh per month during the winter and summer seasons, and 150 kWh in moderate climate months.
In the case of gas through networks, the support will also be 50% during the period from April to September, coinciding with the hot months.
For bottles and propane, a direct wallet contribution equivalent to half a bottle per month will be given, plus an additional bottle in the winter.
On the other hand, starting in 2026, bills will clearly include the true cost of energy production and distribution.
Impact at the local level
The restructuring seeks to reduce government spending on support. However, the ultimate impact on households will depend on their income level and energy consumption patterns.
The changes will have an impact on the city, where Edelap and Camuzzi provide electricity and natural gas services, respectively. The new tariff scenario will have social, economic and urban impacts, as the region falls within the areas that will be applied with greater intensity, due to its combination of urban density, high energy demand and the notable presence of the middle and lower sectors.
Hence, a large portion of La Plata’s users fall within income ranges that may be slightly above the threshold for subsidies. This means that thousands of families – especially in middle- and lower-class neighborhoods – could stop receiving state aid and face the full cost of energy.
According to data released by the Regional Electrical Control Agency in 2024, the city has 18,000 homes eligible for low-income subsidy. 45% of retirees and pensioners; 27% for sectors reached by social programs; The rest is for people with disabilities, non-contributory pension holders, former Malvinas combatants, members of the National Register of Popular Neighborhoods and others.
A slight increase in the governorate
In this context, it was learned yesterday that the governorate approved an increase in electricity prices by 3.6 percent, which will begin to be implemented as of next December.
It has been updated with Resolution No. 1118/2025, which was published yesterday in the Official Gazette. There, it was reported that the increase responds to the wholesale price conversion ordered by the national government and the corresponding Value Added Distribution (VAD) adjustment of the companies offering.