Gloom for customers of Costa Rica power companies

Monthly electricity bills are likely to be increased this year in Costa Rica for customers of the two main state-owned power companies.

More than 700,000 customers of ICE, the Electricity Institute will pay 8 percent more in their monthly electricity bill starting this month.

Meanwhile, the National Power and Light Company filed a new rate hike petition this week that would raise tariffs for its 540,000 customers by 26.6 percent. Aresep, the public services watchdog, is evaluating the request.

Both companies’ requests state, among other arguments, that the increases are essential if the companies are to address the budget shortfalls estimated for this and next year.

Source: Tico Times