Jim is talking about the "tarifa social" which is targeted at the low end consumers. I do not know when the higher rate kicks in or if this is done by zones where the ability to pay is less. I think the normal rate is about US$.14/kwh.
The new distribution companies must first get people to pay for the service. Yesterday's DR1 news talked about ASE has determined one third of their clients are not connected to a meter and are not paying for electricity. This problem will take a few years to resolve and hopefully civil unrest will not errupt when electricity is cut off to those you feel this is a public service.
