In response to rising living costs, the Ministry of Mining and Energy has introduced a new regulation regarding the status of energy-vulnerable customers in an effort to assist low-income households.

This move allows qualifying households to receive reduced utility bills for electricity, gas, and heating, contingent on their total monthly income.

The income brackets for eligibility have been revised to reflect a 2.3% increase in consumer prices recorded over the past six months.

Households must now meet the updated income thresholds to qualify for benefits.

A single-member household with a monthly income of up to 24,768 dinars, a two-member household with a limit of 39,255.97 dinars, and a three-member household with up to 53,743.85 dinars are eligible for this status.

Furthermore, four-member households can qualify with earnings not exceeding 68,231.73 dinars, while five-member households must have a monthly income at or below 82,719.61 dinars.

Households with six members can also gain this status if their income does not exceed 97,207.49 dinars.

For households with more than six members, an additional 14,487.88 dinars can be added per extra member.

Minister Dubravka Đedović Handanović has encouraged citizens to check their eligibility for the status of energy-vulnerable customers and to submit applications at their local municipality offices.

She stated that applications can be made year-round, with a resolution timeframe of up to 30 days.

Moreover, citizens already receiving financial social assistance, enhanced social assistance, a child allowance, or increased benefits for personal assistance must submit only a single document to choose whether they seek reductions on their electricity, gas, or heating bills.

In addition to monthly income limits, households must also meet criteria concerning their asset status and the size of their living space relative to the number of household members.

These requirements apply to households that are not recipients of social protection or family care rights.

The scope of the reductions includes monthly bill discounts on electricity, based on household size.

A one-member household is entitled to a reduction of up to 120 kilowatt-hours per month throughout the year, while two-member and three-member households can receive discounts up to 160 kilowatt-hours per month.

For four-member and five-member households, the limit is set at 200 kilowatt-hours, and for six-member households and larger, it is 250 kilowatt-hours.

Regarding gas usage, single-member households will benefit from a reduction of 359 kilowatt-hours per month during the heating months (October to March).

Two and three-member households are eligible for a reduction of 462 kilowatt-hours, while four and five-member households can access discounts of 616 kilowatt-hours per month.

Households with six or more members will receive a reduction of 770 kilowatt-hours monthly.

For delivered thermal energy, a single-member household will see a 60% reduction on their monthly bill, two and three-member households will receive a 50% discount, while four and five-member households will benefit from a 45% reduction.

Finally, six-member households and larger qualify for a 40% reduction on their monthly heating bills.