The Panamanian Government announced measures to lower energy bills, and, in the words of president Ricardo Martinelli, they "must be effective, and reflected in lower fees to users".

"I will be personally involved in this topic, because in this country, law must be complied with", said Martinelli, adding that "we want businessmen, not ruthless ones ('empresaurios', in his own Spanish words) who engage in savage capitalism. Some international companies are hiding behind what is dubbed legal certainty; but nobody cares about the people's legal certainty".

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Panama: Electricity Rates Reduced

June 2015

From July 1st industrial and commercial consumers will pay the actual market rate, which is between 11% and 26% lower than the rate that was in effect during the first half of the year.

From a statement issued by the Authority of Public Services:

Electricity rates corresponding to the second half of 2015 will not be raised, according to the Authority of Public Services (ASEP), the entity that performs the calculation every six months to establish the tariff schemes to be applied in Panama, once the companies EDEMET, EDECHI and ENSA publish their tariff schedules.

Private Interest in Darien Electrical Interconnection

July 2013

Colombian electricity companies are proposing private investments to finalize the project that would allow them to sell power to Central America.

Interconexión Eléctrica S.A. and Grupo de Energía de Bogotá have shown interest in making electricity interconnections between Colombia and Panama.

Distortion of Electricity Market Attributed to Distributors

February 2012

Through amendments to the law, the Panamanian government is aiming to improve conditions in the electricity market.

"The purchase of energy in the occasional market in Panama costs the state about $100 million annually, said the Secretary of Energy, Juan Urriola. Because of this, authorities have submitted to the National Assembly an amendment to the Law of February 6, 1997, which seeks to improve the national electricity market", reported PanamaAmerica.com.pa.

Electric Fees Will Be Lowered 10% in Panama

July 2009

A 10% reduction for business and residential fees will come into effect in the next weeks.

The announcement was made by president Ricardo Martinelli, at a meeting with the Union of Industry.

From newspaper La Estrella: "In the meeting, Martinelli informed them that the reduction was achieved after reaching a consensus with energy generation, transmission and distribution companies.