In Guatemala, the distribution company Energuate appealed the resolutions of the National Commission of Electric Energy, arguing that the losses because of social conflict were not considered in the authorized tariffs for the next five years.
The controversy began after the National Commission of Electric Energy (CNEE) approved the Non-Social Tariff and Social Tariff Sheets for the 2019-2024 period, which stipulate the final prices of electric energy service for users of Distribuidora de Electricidad de Occidente S.A. -DEOCSA- and Distribuidora de Electricidad de Oriente S.A. -DEORSA-. See CNEE newsletter.
The new price sheet that has been in force since January establishes that consumers with residential, commercial or industrial tariffs will pay 3.28% more than in 2018.
Arguing that generation and distribution prices increased because of the "behavior of fuel prices," along with inflation reported by the local economy, the Nicaraguan Energy Institute (INE) decided to increase the electricity price.
Businessmen have described as a "disguised tax" the decree by the Sanchez Ceren administration which adds a fee for social investment on to the energy rate .
The decree states that the new charge of 13% within the tariff will begin on July 15 and notes that"... the charge for social investment will be part of the fees in the system, which are transferred to the entire electricity demand in the different markets managed by the Transactions Unit and will be calculated quarterly as a dollar value per megawatt hour, equal to 13% of the value of the average price of Transferable Energy rates corresponding to the previous quarter ".
Businessmen are asking for explanations about the sudden and disproportionate increase in water rates, which in some cases reaches 280% compared to the cost of the previous bill.
From a statement issued by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of El Salvador:
The unconsulted increased in fees for water and sewer services from the ANDA is generating unrest and financial problems in the business sector in the country, especially among micro and small entrepreneurs, since in some cases the increase is up to 280% compared to the cost of the previous bill.
The union of large energy consumers has voiced its opposition to the 25% increase which the state run electricity company,CNFL, intends to apply on rates.
Two months after unsuccessfully requesting an increase of 36% from the Services Regulatory Authority, the National Power and Light Company (CNFL by its initials in Spanish) has not given up and has again started the application process, this time to raise fares by 25%.
Industrialists are opposed to the 26% increase approved for the province of Cartago, one of the most important industrial areas and up until now the one with the lowest electricity rates.
The Chamber of Industry states that the increase will affect the competitiveness of companies operating in the area, where manufacturing and industrial production companies predominate.
Businesses are complaining that upward adjustments in rates proposed by the Maritime Port Authority will make them less competitive.
Companies providing these services assert that the adjustments proposed by the Maritime Port Authority to the tariff regime amount to a 1,000% increase in the cost of the operating license. Currently this sector "... is going through a global adjustment process and if the rates for services increase, the cargo will be more expensive, as well as the logistics platform of the country."
Industrialists have pointed to the fallacy of a report issued by the state power company detailing how their rates have dropped in the last year, and to which it was added that the next increase has already been scheduled for March.
From a statement issued by the Chamber of Industries of Costa Rica (ICRC):
The Chamber of Industries of Costa Rica has expressed concern about the information provided by the Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad over the weekend, about how the "Electricity rates fell by 9%" when in reality in March 2015 consumers will have to pay 12.5% more for electricity than they did a year ago or 9.8% on top of what they paid in February 2015.
Authorities at the International Airport in Panama are evaluating raising tariffs for services offered at the terminal in order to cover the cost of the current expansion and future projects.
Between 2009 and 2012 there were only two upward adjustments in rates for airport services, one on the departure tax, and another on charge paid by airlines for each per passenger.
The government aims to update the $6 a year license for concessionaires of radio and television frequencies which has been in effect since 1954, while employers fear a reallocation of spectrum.
The draft bill proposes an increase in the rates for radio and television based on the number of frequencies held by the concessionaire, the type of coverage, the use to be given and the type of diffusion, national or rural.
Electricity distribution companies will receive about $300 million less in state subsidies leading them to foresee an increase in rates which will affect the productive sector.
The State will compensate only the Chiriqui electricity distribution company (Edechi) with $27 million and the electricity distribution company Metro-West (Edemet) with $38 million, ceasing to give subsidies to the company Ensa.
The private sector is asking the government to repeal the new tariff schedule in the ports of Quetzal and Santo Tomas de Castilla, saying it there is no justification for it and the competitiveness of ports is deteriorating.
According to employers, the increase is not only unwarranted, but also directly impacts the cost structure of firms, which end up passing on the prices increases to end consumers.
With the increase in rates in Guatemalan ports, exporters are demanding more value added and efficiency in the service of moving containers.
From a statement issued by the Guatemalan Exporters Association (AGEXPORT):
The Guatemalan Exporters Association, -AGEXPORT- requests that port authorities ensure there are improvements in service ports and wants to know which investments justify the increase to the rates at Puerto Quetzal, which became effective on October 16, and in Puerto Santo Tomas, which will take effect on November 1.
Entrepreneurs from the logistics sector in Guatemala argue that the increase from 30% to 60% on import charges which came into effect on October 16th will reduce competitiviness.
The new tariff schedule includes a $38 payment per inspection using scanners, among other costs incurred in handling cargo, which in the end will result in price increases for the consumer.
The company DHL has announced that starting January 2015 that the average increase in prices in Guatemala, Costa Rica and Panama will be 4.9%.
From a statement issued by DHL:
DHL Express, provider of the world's leading international express services, today announced an overall increase in average rates globally, effective from January 1, 2015. The average increase in prices in Guatemala will be 4.9% (also applicable to Costa Rica and Panama).
español
7974
