12 large companies of Belén request change of electricity providers

May 16th, 2014

Twelve major companies in the canton of Bethlehem asked the local council authorization for the Public Service Company of Heredia (ESPH) is the supply supplying electric service to replace the National Power and Light Company (CNFL).

Firms, among which Bridgestone Group Mit, Irex, Amanco and Brewery Costa Rica, made the request to what they consider "an inordinate and exponential increase in electricity rates perceived" as let him know the belemita municipality.

The two energy providers charge rates "medium voltage" to companies, but in the case of ESPH, the provider offers preferential payment for large consumers (3,000 kW).

"There are cases where the price difference is 6%, others up to 25%," said Laura Castro, commercial director of the Public Service Company.

A year ago, the City Council consulted belemita Regulatory Authority of Public Services (Aresep) on the possibility of allowing free competition between CNFL and ESPH.

The answer was yes ARESEP, provided that the City Council agree with this possibility.

However, council members voted in the negative.

Reasons not. "By law there is a distribution of spaces and this corresponds to the CNFL. We did consulting fees and no big difference, so we saw no pressing need to make a change, "said the then municipal president, Maria Lorena Vargas.

Alvaro Valverde, executive director of the Association of Free Zones (Azofras)-which belong many of the firms involved-is at odds with the municipal resolution issued on the 7th of this month of May, which is hereby copy.

Valverde believes that the decision is based on "purely legal" issues.

"We do not understand how a municipality denies better service offering another public company," Valverde said.

Consistent with that Allan Benavides, CEO ESPH, who said it was a mistake to give ARESEP the power to decide to the City of Bethlehem.

"It is possible that a municipality has the legal authority that corresponds to ARESEP. There are acts that affect competition, and customers will choose the provider, "he said.

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