Government benefits users of the Old Age Assistance Program and nursing homes
In coordination with the Ministry of Social Development and the Social Welfare Bank (BPS), UTE yesterday announced benefits for some 7,000 participants in the Old Age Assistance Program and 85 non-profit homes that care for the elderly. The state company will allocate 31 million pesos annually to this support. On the other hand, it presented a simulator for those interested in consulting the Fixed Fee Plan.
The press conference was attended by the Minister of Social Development, Martín Lema; the assistant secretary, Andrea Brugman; the president of UTE, Silvia Emaldi; the head of the BPS, Alfredo Cabrera, and other authorities of the state company.
In his speech, Lema highlighted the joint work of the three organizations, which allowed benefits for the elderly. “How much better and more efficient are the actions when coordinated!” She said, adding: “Management is directly linked to the well-being of the people, especially those who are in a situation of greater vulnerability”.
The Secretary of State pointed out that the measure will make it possible to provide quality electricity at an affordable price, prevent accidents that irregular connections can cause, and promote social inclusion.
In this sense, he reported that non-profit nursing homes registered with the BPS will obtain a 50% discount on their electricity rates. He assured that the measure will mean monthly relief and will encourage the regularization of those who are not.
On the other hand, Lema explained that thanks to the coordination, the company’s board of directors decided to maintain the bonus for the beneficiaries of the Old-Age Assistance Program who turn 70, given that the 80% discount on monthly electricity expenses was no longer received at the 69 years. This measure will reach some 7,000 people, he stressed.
For his part, Emaldi agreed with the minister regarding the importance of joint work between state institutions. “Making a fairer society and reaching out to the most vulnerable” was the objective of that task, he reflected. In this sense, he asserted that support is planned for oxygen-dependent people, because electric power is essential for them. He added that these benefits mean, per year, 31,000,000 pesos, which are added to the support of the Social Bond of electric energy that currently reaches 146,000 homes and that in 2022 implied 48,000,000 dollars.
He clarified that, in the case of the participants of the Old Age Assistance Program, the contribution will be 9,000,000 pesos per year and that another 22,000,000 pesos will be allocated for the 85 households.
Meanwhile, Cabrera said that these homes, scattered throughout the country, provide assistance to some 3,000 people, of which 1,000 are direct beneficiaries of the BPS. “This is a very good example of cooperation between organizations, which allows us to optimize State resources and, above all, get the most out of public money, which is, ultimately, what we all want from our management”, he stressed, referring to the announcements.
Consultations are enabled by UTE Fixed Quota Plan
In another vein, Emaldi answered questions from journalistic media and announced that the company made available to customers interested in a fixed annual electricity rate a simulator that will detail the expenses and the bases of the plan that can be accessed in the company website.
“This fixed fee plan is enabled for the first 50,000 customers who consider it convenient to access,” he explained.
He assured that, in the event that customer consumption is less than expected for a period of one year, the amount will be refunded in a single installment. He also explained that a control will be carried out after six months to verify if it is necessary to make adjustments in case it is verified that the consumption is higher.
The hierarch informed that the calculation of the quota will be based on the average of the invoices of the previous 12 months. Interested parties may analyze their cases by entering the simulator with their identity card or current account number and, if they agree, contract the service through the page.
“We think it’s a good tool for people considering family planning,” he stressed.
