Electricity rates to go up next month

Costa Rica’s Public Services Regulatory Agency (ARESEP) currently is studying a hike in electricity rates for all distribution companies in the country, prompted by an increase in the cost of fuel-generated electricity.

On average, rates will go up by 5.27 percent, depending on the distribution company.

The Costa Rican Electricity Institute requested a 5.43 percent increase, the National Power and Light Company asked for 6.17 percent, the Electric Service Administrative Board of Cartago requested a 6.88 percent and the Heredia Public Services Company requested a 6.52 percent hike.

Power supply companies usually need to generate electricity using fuel, due to a decrease in energy production at hydroelectric plants during the dry season, which in Costa Rica runs from November to April.

The regulatory agency also reported that rate decreases may apply in the second half of 2014, as a reduction in fuel usage is expected as well as an increase in rainfall that will help replenish reserves at hydroelectric plants.

The proposed rate increase is currently open for public debate, and citizens can voice complaints at ARESEP offices in Escazú, southwest of San José.

The deadline for filing a a complaint is Dec. 13 at 4 p.m.