The steady increase in the electricity tariff to the production sectors has become a major concern, because of the rising prices as well the impact to potential renewable energy investments, as they are vehement criticize the Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE), in regards to the use of fuel for power generation.
In the first two months of the year, ICE spent more than 33 billion colones to produce electricity, which represents almost half of the fuel expense made during the past year.
From last December to date, there have been two increases, the first in the order of 15% and an additional 8% from April. However, the Chamber of Industry said that “unfortunately, these increases were to meet an estimate of spending that increased sharply in the first two months of this year, and will bring additional increases to exceed 23% in this year.”
ARESEP defends the model used. Angélica María Carvajal, spokeswoman for the agency, said the aim of the methodology is that the operator can retrieve the resources used in power generation.
Additionally, the official stressed that this methodology is based on the financial statements of companies and therefore monitors and manages of ARESEP determine how much has been utilized. When performing this analysis, the Regulatory Authority will determine whether or not a company is due a refund.
Carvajal an adjustment of additional 1% originally projected, so in April the rise in the price of the fare will be from 9 %.
For the national productive sector, the situation is worrying because it will generate more pressure on domestic prices (plus inflation).
For its part, the Union of Chambers insisted more discussion of the general electricity law focused on the needs of the users, to give the necessary legal framework to encourage investment in renewable energy.
The Costa Rica News (TCRN)
San Jose Costa Rica
