Household down electricity consumption by high rates

Using light houses edged up 0.07%; in the industrial sector increased by 0.50%

Low demand accounted ¢ 43,000 million shortfall in revenue ICE

May 30th, 2014

Slow economic growth and high rates led many households to turn off the light bulbs and light industries to less engines.

As a result of these measures, electricity sales measured in megawatt hours (MWh), grew only 1% in 2013, compared to 2012 placements.

The percentage increase is well below the 4% projected by the largest energy producer in the country, the Costa Rican Electricity Institute (ICE). Also away from the 3.67% reported in 2012.

"Low income shrank demand for electricity in the differential (3%) and profitability fell at the same rate," he acknowledged in late April, Teofilo de la Torre, who at that time presided over the Board of ICE.

According to data from the Regulatory Authority for Public Services (Aresep) in housing growth in electricity consumption last year was almost nil, 0.07%.

Meanwhile, the industrial sector rather had a decrease in demand closer to 0.50%.

For Juan Manuel Quesada, mayor of Energy ARESEP, a decrease in electricity demand may be because people consume less because it has a high price signal, or contraction of the economy.

"It may also influence energy efficiency; a consumer with the highest cost is more aware of the use, "said the mayor.

According to the industry, in 2013 the rates for the sector grew nearly 30% subtracting competitive companies.

Due to high prices, some companies enrolled in energy efficiency plans to lower bills, Sergio told Capon, coordinator of the House Energy Industries.

According to that entity, the companies participating in the programs achieved savings of up to $ 100,000 per year; 6,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) in the same period.

In addition, 2003 was characterized by low economic growth. Gross domestic product (GDP) reached only 3.5%. Such figure coincides with the monthly index of economic activity (MIEA), with close to previous December. This indicator measures changes in the physical production of goods and services.

'read more'

ICE calls increase in electricity tariffs

The Institute sought an adjustment of 24.4%, on average, but the Regulating Authority of Public Services (Aresep) approved only half.

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Industrials are urging for low in electricity to gain competitiveness

Electricity bill is the biggest obstacle to industry growth, entrepreneurs say

Suggest to exonerate bunker and diesel generation and review finances of ICE

May 29th,2014

The cost of the electric bill is, to industry, the biggest stumbling stone to the competitiveness of this sector.

This view is reflected in the assessment of business prospects and competitive factors of the 2014 studio Rican industrial sector.

The report, prepared by the Chamber of Industries of Costa Rica (ICRC), was presented Tuesday to President Luis Guillermo Solis.

Quotation took the guild to insist, before the president, on the need to reduce electricity rates.

Among other alternatives, entrepreneurs suggest the exemption in the payment of taxes on fuels used for electricity generation. These fuels are the bunker, you pay 22 ¢ per liter flat tax, and diesel ¢ 135. We further propose a reengineering of the finances of the Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE), to bring down the financial burden on the cost of electricity production in the short term.

Against Solis also advocated strengthening and continuing the actions of regulatory reform, including the simplification of procedures, technical regulations and market surveillance.

Welmer Ramos, Minister of Economy, participated in the meeting and said that the power issue is of great concern to the Government, but not the only one.

"There are many additional factors that are holding back overall economic activity, development and production of wealth in the country," Ramos said.

Little optimism. According to Juan Ramon Rivera, president of the ICRC, the industry warns 2014 as a year of little dynamism in industrial production and stagnation in hiring.

In Rivera criterion, except in rare cases (such as safety), there have been few significant advances in the factors that influence the competitiveness of the sector.

Regarding electricity, he added, rather it has been reversed, and for the fourth consecutive year ranked first among the factors that negatively affect the industrial way.

For Rivera, Costa Rica has been becoming the last four years in an increasingly expensive country for this production.

The union industry in 2013 noted that the electricity bill increased about 30% and the discount did not have the same impact.

Moreover, this Friday as the deadline given by the Government to the President of the ICE, Carlos Obregón, to present a plan of options to reduce these rates.

Obregon said the proposal involves a complete overhaul of all components that affect the cost of electricity rates.

Source: La Nación

Aresep lower half light hike requested by ICE

- Regulator alleges lower spending on fuels and energy purchases

- Family with a consumption of 250 kWh per month will pay ¢ 1800 more

Mercedes Aguero R./ This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Published: 03/24/2010

The Regulatory Authority for Public Services (Aresep) approved half of the increase requested by ICE for electricity rates.

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