The UTE Board of Directors approved last week a new product called “fixed fee” electricity for homes. This billing alternative that already exists in other parts of the world has the main advantage that you know in advance how much you have to pay at the end of the month.
What is it about?
The product gives the possibility of paying a fixed monthly and personalized amount. The objective is to contribute to improving the planning of the home economy without increases in bills during the months when there is a more intensive use of heating and cooling equipment in homes.
How is the fixed monthly fee calculated?
To calculate it, it will be taken into account the consumption of the last 12 months of each client and with these data an average value will be calculated, which will be the fixed amount that will be paid in the following 12 months.
If after the sixth month the customer increases consumption beyond 15%, they will be notified and the fee will be recalculated with that higher consumption. This notice is very important for situations where the client could neglect the expense and that in the long run would lead him to carry a much higher bill the following year.
UTE will have a simulator on its website, where customers will be able to access an approximate cost of the fee they will pay.
Who will be able to contract the new product?
The new product is aimed at customers who today have Simple Residential Rate, Double Hours and Triple Hours.
Membership will be voluntary as is the case with smart rates.
What happens if the consumption is greater than what was calculated in the quota?
If after one year the actual consumption is higher than previously stipulated, the customer must pay the difference, which may be settled in 12 installments together with the bills for the following year.
What happens if the consumption is lower than the estimate in the monthly fee?
If after 12 months the energy consumption was less than the estimate in the monthly fee, UTE will return the difference in a single payment at the end of the period.
Can the client unsubscribe at any time?
Clients may unsubscribe at any time prior re-settlement. In this instance, UTE will refund money if consumption was less than estimated or the customer will have to pay the difference if they have spent more than what is stipulated by the fee.
When is it renewed?
One year after contracting the product, the client may choose to continue with the fixed rate or return to the previous rate modality.
When will it be available?
The new product will be available from April 1 throughout the country. In the first instance it will be a pilot plan that will cover the first 50,000 customers that join. The company currently has around 1.3 million residential customers.
How can you hire?
Interested parties may request the new product through the UTE website; by remote management at 0800 1930; via WhatsApp or in person at commercial offices.
