Starting Thursday, July 1, most households in Chile will experience a new increase in their electricity bills. lightThis increase is due to the end of the rate freeze that was implemented almost five years ago through a subsidy. This measure had generated a multimillion-dollar debt with the electricity generating companies, and now, with the end of the subsidy, it will be reflected in the pockets of consumers.
It is estimated that more than five million customers will see an increase in their bills, although the percentage of increase will vary depending on the region and commune in which each person resides. The Ministry of Energy has indicated that the electricity bill will be calculated based on the average consumption and will be classified into three groups: G1 with 180 kWh, G2 with 400 kWh and G3 with 550 kWh.
For example, in the Metropolitan Region of Santiago, increases will be 18% for G1, 36% for G2 and 30% for G3. In the Valparaíso Region, the increases will be even more significant, with 25% for G1, 42% for G2 and 36% for G3. These variations respond to the differences in energy consumption and associated costs in each region.
The Electricity Tariff Stabilization Law, approved in April, includes a mechanism to allow the gradual payment of the debt accumulated with generating companies since 2019. This law seeks to mitigate the immediate impact on users, distributing the increases in light in a staggered manner over the next few years.
Specifically, there will be gradual increases in the accounts of light between 2024 and 2035. For this year, the increases will be applied in July and October, while in 2025 it will begin with an increase in January.
