The Environment, Energy and Climate Change Ministry has announced a programme offering cheaper electricity rates to more disadvantaged groups, such as people on very low incomes, the long-term unemployed, parents with three children and disabled persons.

According to the ministry, the measure, called the "Social Household Rate," is in line with the government's pledges to support financially weaker groups in society and protect "special groups of consumers during a difficult economic conjuncture.”

The special rate is open only to those that consume less than 1,000 kWh of electricity every four months and is only for a household's main residence. Interested parties will have to apply in order to qualify, and applications can be submitted online and are automatically renewed in following years, except when the conditions stipulated cease to apply.