Overview
- Lawmakers in the Chamber of Deputies approved the substitute text on Thursday, July 9, removing minimum‑consumption franchise charges and sending the bill to the Senate for analysis.
- Under the approved text billing would split into a distinct fixed tariff to cover infrastructure availability and a variable charge calculated only on measured consumption.
- The proposal preserves the National Water and Basic Sanitation Agency’s (ANA) role in setting parameters for the fixed tariff and requires regulator‑approved transition plans before changes take effect.
- If the Senate approves and the president sanctions the law it would take effect 180 days after publication and concessionaires would have up to four years to adapt contracts and tariffs under impact studies.
- The measure sets special rules for buildings with a single meter, applies the same logic to sewage fees, reflects models already used in some states, and aims to protect low‑consumption households while limiting retroactive changes to past bills.