ICE electric bills will be reduced between 7% and 9%

Adjustments will apply from July

May 29,2013

Receipts for light users Costa Rican Electricity Institute (ICE) reflect a decline in rates during the second half of the year.

According to Francisco Garro, director of ICE Tariff Management, very preliminary data estimate could be reduced by 7% from July and 9% from October.

The setting is applied according to costs incurred by the institution in the purchase of fuel for electricity generation, that from January to April of 2013 corresponds to a total of ¢ 62,300 million.

In accordance with a resolution of December 24, 2012, the Regulatory Authority for Public Services (Aresep) provided that the rebate off 10.96%.

"That percentage was the one projected in December 2012. However, it could be less depending on the expenses that we report the ICE fuels and that will define the discount rate in June, "said Maria Angelica Carvajal, ARESEP spokeswoman.

During the first half of June, ICE must submit a report of its fuel expenses for the rate reduction ARESEP subject to a public hearing.

So far this year, ICE has made two raises totaling up 21.04% in total electricity tariff.

The scarcity of water in reservoirs during the first half of the year, has made companies have to spend more on the purchase of fuel for power generation, which has weight at checkout.

ICE recognizes that the entry of the rainy season, it decreases the fuel purchase, a situation that allows you to apply tariff reductions that benefit the service users.

Source:"La Nación".