Does the electricity bill expire? How can I renegotiate it?
Find out if your electricity bill debt is time-barred!
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Does the electricity bill debt expire?
There are some monthly bills that we need to be extra careful about paying late. After all, they are essential services in our daily lives.
And if you've ever been late on your electricity bill and want to know how to negotiate your debt with companies like Enel and Energisa, keep reading. We'll explain everything about the subject.
What is debt prescription?
Debt prescription occurs when the creditor loses the right to collect the debt judicially.
The amount continues to exist before the establishment. However, after a certain period of time, it will no longer be possible to collect it judicially.
According to the law, the creditor of a debt, whether it be rent, electricity bill or even credit card, has a period of time to collect the amount in court.
And if he does not collect payment within the specified period, he will no longer be able to take legal action to collect from the debtor.
If a person gets into debt, If you do not pay the financial debt and the company does not collect any kind of payment, the debt may become statute-barred in a few years.
The debt does not cease to exist, it expires. However, if the statute of limitations expires, the creditor loses the right to collect the debt through legal action.
Therefore, he can only do the administrative collection.
Does the electricity bill debt expire?
Debts from service contracts, in general, such as water and electricity, expire in five years, according to the law.
It is important to remember that there are different limitation periods. If the law is not specific regarding the period, it will occur in 10 years.
The term starts from the due date of the account in question.
Bill determines that electricity bill collection will expire in one year
Bill 67/22 determines that the intention to collect payment on the electricity bill will expire in one year.
The text, which is being analyzed by the Chamber of Deputies, which inserts the provision into the Civil Code, currently provides for the prescription of charges in ten years, if the legislation does not stipulate a shorter period.
The project is being processed conclusively and will be analyzed by the Consumer Protection; Labor, Administration and Public Service; and Constitution and Justice and Citizenship committees.
Source: Chamber of Deputies News Agency
Power outage due to non-payment: when can it happen?
If the consumer is late with their bill, the company must notify them of the default.
After the warning, 15 more days will be counted. Therefore, this is the minimum period to cut off the power.
If the company does not notify the customer and still cuts off the power, the interruption of service will be considered undue.
This means that the consumer can be compensated, even if his bill is late.
Electricity distributors have a maximum period of 90 days to carry out the cut-off. After this period, the company will no longer be able to carry out the cut-off.
In other words, if after this period the cut has not been carried out, the energy supply must remain.
The company may collect from credit protection agencies.
Power outage warning: what to do?
The suspension of energy service must take place during business hours – from 8 am to 6 pm.
Furthermore, cutting cannot occur on Saturdays, Sundays, the day before holidays and public holidays.
If you receive notice of an outstanding bill and possible power outage, you should pay any outstanding debts as soon as possible.
In practice, this means that all amounts in the account, such as interest and debts, also need to be paid.
Payments can be made at bank branches or lottery outlets.
Keep proof of payment, because if the company sends professionals to your home to cut off the power, you will be able to show that the amount of the overdue bill has already been paid.
If you cannot pay the bill, contact the company to negotiate and pay the outstanding bill in installments.
Social tariff: how to find out if you can get a discount on your electricity bill
Low-income families enrolled in federal government social programs may be entitled to the benefit.
Through the Social Tariff, citizens receive a discount of 10% to 65% on the monthly bill, depending on their consumption range.
See who is entitled to the Social Electricity Tariff:
See who is entitled to the benefit:
• Families registered in the Single Registry with per capita family income less than or equal to half the minimum wage (R$ 606);
• Elderly people aged 65 or over or people with disabilities who receive the Continuous Social Assistance Benefit (BPC);
• Families registered in the Single Registry with a monthly income of up to 3 minimum wages (R$ 3,636), who have a person living in the household with an illness or disability (physical, motor, auditory, visual, intellectual and multiple) whose treatment, medical or therapeutic procedure requires the continued use of devices, equipment or instruments that, for their operation, demand the consumption of electrical energy.
Source: G1
Electricity bill debts: how to negotiate?
Electricity is essential for the lives of all citizens.
However, if the consumer is in debt, this service can become a problem.
For this reason, we will explain what you can do if you are in debt with the energy company.
See how to negotiate with the main energy companies:
Energisa
The first step is to access the Energisa website.
Then, go to “Online Services”. Now, select the option “Check Debts”.
If you already have a registration, enter your CPF number and password to log in.
If you are not yet registered, simply fill in the required information.
You will be able to access your account, find out about pending items and print them.
Enel
Access the Enel website and click on “negotiate debts”.
Enter your CPF and installation number. Select the overdue bill you wish to pay and choose the best payment method for you.
Celesc
Go to the Celesc website and click on the “Access your data” option.
Enter the Consumer Unit number. Then, click “Enter”.
Payment of electricity bill in installments
The coronavirus pandemic has brought several economic difficulties to Brazilians.
For this reason, companies that distribute electricity have started to offer some facilities to consumers, such as paying their electricity bills in installments, for example.
Each company has certain conditions for paying outstanding bills. For this reason, it is necessary to research the rules regarding the payment process. debt renegotiation from the company responsible for your region.
Conclusion
Now you know how electricity bill debts expire and how to renegotiate overdue bills.
If you want to negotiate overdue installments, contact the electricity company and find out about all the rules and conditions!
