The National Observatory for Consumer Protection (ONPECO) warned that scheduled blackouts are not contemplated in the Law 125-01so they are illegal and, in addition, they put the health of many families at risk due to power outages.
Likewise, the consumer protection entity reported that Billings are not being made according to actual consumption. User complaints reflect an increase in bills that, in some cases, triple the previous amounts, including closed homes with excessive and unjustified bills.
«ONPECO understands that consumers and users should not bear the burden of the deficiencies of the companies responsible for providing the service. The losses of the distributors should not be transferred to the users“he said in a statement.
Regarding the risk to health, the entity highlighted that the interruption of the cold chain in foods or medicines that require refrigeration generates a danger to the health of users.
As an example, ONPECO mentioned nursing mothers who store breast milk in refrigerators. This essential food goes bad when the cold chain is broken, just like other foods that need refrigeration.
The institution He regretted that, in the 21st century, Dominicans continue to suffer blackouts despite the millions of dollars invested in subsidies to the sector. This situation is unacceptable, especially since the country continues to depend on fossil fuels that increase the cost of energy.
ONPECO recalled that, at the end of last year, it advocated for a transition to solar energy. He proposed eliminating tax burdens on the import of solar panels, promoting an energy transition that makes the country independent from fossil fuel imports. This would be the best way to guarantee cleaner, longer-lasting and more economical energy.
On the other hand, the entity drew attention to the delay in PROTECOM’s responses to user complaints. This delay harms consumers economicallysince the service provider companies continue to charge arrears during the time the claim process lasts, which should not exceed 30 days.
According to reports received, at the close of the October-December quarter, PROTECOM accumulated nearly 37 thousand claims pending resolution. This shows a serious failure in the system, since the distributors impose defaults while the users are litigating, a situation that must be corrected.
ONPECO urged the Superintendence of Electricity to issue a resolution that eliminates the late payment charge while there is an active claim. He also considered it necessary to provide benefits to those who dare to claim their rights when they are poorly served by the service provider companies.
Finally, the institution stated that, although the service must be paid for, it is essential to guarantee transparency in billing and avoid any form of discrimination that harms users, punishing them for the deficiencies of the EDES.
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