Gas prices to decrease in December, electric to increase 10% to 20%
November 9th, 2012 (InsideCostaRica.com) Although residents will find lower gas prices in December, other services such as electricity and bus rates will increase.
Also making a dent in residents’ pocketbooks in December, “marchamo” (right of vehicle circulation, paid once a year) must be paid by December 31st.
The Public Service Regulating Authority (ARESEP), stated that the institution has 3 requests for electric rate increases which will take place toward the end of this year.
The first request is from ICE (Costa Rican Electricity Institute), which is requesting a 15.45% increase, which it says is due to the increase in the expense of thermal energy production, in comparison to the 1st semester of 2012. That request is close to finishing the approval process.
ARESEP also reminds residents that when there is an increase in ICE prices, all those companies who purchase electricity from ICE and redistribute it, will automatically see a rate increase as well. Price increases from such companies will take place one or two months after ICE increases its rates.
The 2nd rate increase was requested by the National Light and Electricity Company (CNFL, in Spanish). The company requested a 10% rate increase, which is still being reviewed.
The Administrative Board of the Municipal Electricity Service of Cartago (JASEC, in Spanish) requested the 3rd rate increase, requesting a 20.5% rate hike. The hearing will be held on November 9th, and ARESEP will have one month to rule on the increase after that date.
Bus fare will also see an increase. ARESEP is in the process of approving an automatic 14.6% increase fares, due to rising operating costs.
The “marchamo” will likely also be more expensive, as the National Insurance Institute (INS), requested an increase, which is currently being reviewed.
ARESEP confirmed that there would not, however, be any increase in water prices, as a recent increase was already approved. ARESEP says water prices will remain steady for about one year.
Gas prices will decrease 79 colons per liter in “super” gasoline, 69 colons in “plus” gasoline, and 25 colons in diesel next month. This is in addition to the price decreases announced for November, of 17 colons for “super” gasoline, 12 colons for “plus” gasoline, and 2 colons for diesel.
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