Monitor electricity prices, the main challenge for Superservices

The situation of high electricity prices has generated a series of actions from the National Government and the private sector to generate joint solutions. The objective is to stop the escalation and generate decreases.

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One of the oversight papers will be held by the Superintendence of Public Services, headed by Dagoberto Quiroga. The official said that “the main challenge is the defense of users, many people have been more on the side of producers than consumers.” For this monitor the increases that have occurred in rates.

One of the main contingencies that the entity faces is related to the entry into operation of Hidroituango, which would have the potential to generate 17% of the current matrix (2,400 megawatts). The leader pointed out that he does not consider that a sanction is required since this could be passed on to consumers.

The lawyer arrived at the position of superintendent on September 28, and will have several challenges, among which is the monitoring of electricity prices.

“We want to monitor, break down this issue, because at this time when there is water in the reservoirs and a large percentage of energy is hydroelectric, we do not know why prices continue to rise. If the energy goes up now that we have water, what will it be like when there is none?”, he asserted.

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For this The entity required 5 companies (Isagen, EPM, Enel, Chivor and Celsia) for the increase in the stock price in the particular case.

Quiroga rescued the efforts that have been made to date, despite which he said that “very old” rules are being applied for the establishment of rates and this lends itself to the need to update them. He pointed out the specific case of the sale of hydroelectric energy that is sold on the stock market.

In Colombia, the energy exchange works with a price scheme and not a cost scheme, so they are not required to declare their cost schemes. Alejandro Lucio Chaustre, director of Óptima Consultores, explained that in the case of water resources, establish how much it costs.

Acolgen has pointed out that generators are in the free market, so these prices are not regulated. However, Natalia Gutiérrez, president of the union, said that the narrowness of the supply compared to the demand is generating these shocks. This would worsen with the delay of large works such as Hidroituango.

Now with the announcements of the mayor of Medellin regarding extend the delivery period of Hidroituango, there are fears regarding the effects on tariffs or sanctions. “EPM considers that they should have time to avoid risks and reduce them. I don’t think that this warrants the application of a sanction; if they are sanctioned they will consider that they have to recover the value of the sanctions and suddenly pass it on to the users”, said Quiroga.

The deadline established by Creg for the first two turbines to start delivering power is November 30, after which guarantees would be executed and the reliability charge would be forfeited.

In this regard, the superintendent pointed out that he works harmoniously with the president. “The work of the Superintendence of Public Services of surveillance, inspection and control is a delegation made by the President,” said the official.

Daniela Morales Soler
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