volumetric tariff

[/vɒ.ljuː.ˈmet.rɪk ˈtær.ɪf/]
nounpl: volumetric tariffs
tarifa volumétrica
1. A pricing structure for utilities (water, gas, or electricity) where the cost per unit increases or decreases based on the total volume of consumption during a billing period
The water company implemented a volumetric tariff to encourage conservation during the drought.
A companhia de água implementou uma tarifa volumétrica para incentivar a conservação durante a seca.
2. A rate-setting system in which higher consumption levels are charged at progressively higher unit prices (progressive tariff) or lower unit prices (regressive tariff)
Under the new volumetric tariff, households consuming more than 50 cubic meters of water monthly face significantly higher rates.
Sob a nova tarifa volumétrica, residências que consomem mais de 50 metros cúbicos de água mensalmente enfrentam tarifas significativamente mais altas.
In Brazil, volumetric tariffs are extensively used by SABESP (São Paulo water utility) and energy distributors regulated by ANEEL to promote sustainable consumption and manage peak demand. The system reflects environmental concerns about water scarcity and energy efficiency. In Portugal, similar systems encourage resource conservation. In the USA, this concept is sometimes referred to as 'tiered rates' and is particularly common in water-scarce regions like California.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
progressive tariffconsumption-based tarifftiered tariffblock tariffincremental tariff
Antonyms / Antônimos
flat ratefixed tariffuniform tarifflinear tariff

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
tarifa volumétrica
Standard term used by ANEEL (Agência Nacional de Energia Elétrica) and water utilities
Rio de Janeiro
tarifa volumétrica
Used by CEDAE for water services
São Paulo
tarifa volumétrica
Used by SABESP and energy distributors; sometimes called 'tarifa por faixa de consumo'
Portugal
tarifa volumétrica
Used by water and energy utilities; may also be referenced as 'tarifa escalonada'

Related Words

tariff structureutility pricingconsumption meteringprogressive pricingdemand managementrate regulationbilling cycleconsumption threshold

Related Idioms & Phrases

tiered pricing structure
pay-as-you-go model
consumption-based pricing
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