Coopesantos applies increase of 8.7% in electricity tariff

April 21st,2015

The 42,000 subscribers of the Coopesantos electric cooperative, which covers 120 communities in nine cantons, disbursed an additional 8.7% on their electricity bills.

Starting next month, an average family which consume 150 kilowatt hours (kWh) month- it will cancel ¢ 11,400 to ¢ 12,392.

The percentage increase is the same for the subscribers of the general preferential and industry, as approved by the Regulatory Authority for Public Services (Aresep).

With this setting, the regulator seeks Coopesantos compensate for rising 22.32% suffered in the price of electricity sold ICE him from September 2014 to February.

We also recognize the rise of 23.2% in the fee for use of the electricity distribution network during the same period.

In solving ARESEP, the Municipality of Energy recognized that Coopesantos could suffer damages in its financial balance is not approved adjustment to users Mora, Acosta, Aserrí, Homeless, León Cortés, Carthage, El Guarco, Dota and Tarrazú.

The assistant manager of the cooperative, Mario Patricio Solis said that the increase is not "so high" because each year only acquire 35% of the energy of the Costa Rican Electricity Institute (ICE) and pay a 66% transport energy. This, thanks to have their own projects water and wind generation.

For example, during 2014, the Institute Coopesantos bought 38,474 megawatt hours (MWh), equivalent to 35% of the electricity demand of their subscribers. On their own, through water and wind projects, the company generated 71,583 MWh (65.04%).

The deputy Coopesantos recalled that the second quarter will be added to the 0.57% rate corresponding to the formula variable cost fuels (CVC) fee to cover what it spends on fuel ICE.

Source: 'La Nación'