Buenos Aires Province Updates Electricity Rates and Will Apply Compensation for Power Outages in La Plata

The Government of Buenos Aires Province approved new rate schedules for Edelap, EDEA, EDEN and EDES, also impacting approximately 200 electrical cooperatives in the interior. The adjustments will take effect in September and will range between 1% and 2.4%, affecting both fixed and variable charges.

The rate update results from a combination of a 5.6% increase in the wholesale electricity price, mandated by the National Energy Secretariat and effective since August, and a 1.8% increase in the distribution added value (VAD) for September.

For a residential household without subsidies consuming 150 kWh per month, the monthly bill will increase from $55,550 to $56,900, including taxes. For a subsidized user, the amount will rise from $37,500 to $38,000. According to the Province, the national cost of electricity represents 40% of the bill, distributors account for 33%, and taxes explain the remaining 27%.

Provincial authorities also warned that using electricity for heating during winter may increase consumption and change users' rate category. To anticipate billing amounts, the Buenos Aires Province Energy Portal (PEBA) features a simulator that allows users to check consumption and the service composition.

Additionally, Edelap must grant a compensation equivalent to 20% of the electrical charges billed for each 24 hours without supply to users affected by the outage of the Tolosa 132 kV Transformer Station, which occurred on August 17 in La Plata. The incident affected approximately 65,000 people.

When the interruption does not complete or exceed 24 hours, compensation will be calculated at 0.80% for each hour without service, until restoration. The resolution also instructed the company to expedite claims for damages related to that outage.

Information from Energía Online.