More Electrical Power Cuts Possible If Rates Aren't Increased, ICE Says
Be it a threat  or a promise one thing is for sure, there will be more electrical service disruptions in the future if the Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE) doesn't get a rate increase

Pedro Pablo Quirós, president of ICE, made that announcement yesterday,  a day following the rejection by the Autoridad Reguladora de Servicios Públicos (Aresep) - regulator of public prices and services - of a 23% increase request.

Quirós said that the increase is necessary for the purchase of fuel to operate its generating stations.

The Aresep on Monday rejected a request by ICE for a rate increase in electrical services and asked the institution to provide a detailed analysis of the cause of the blackout last Thursday (April 19) in any future requests.

The Aresep, in turning down the increase,  into account that ICE had a surplus of ¢22 billion colones at the end of 2006.

The regulating body was clear in its decision that now is now an opportune time for a rate increase given the blackout and the rationing of electrical power for three days.

Quiros made it clear that neither he or the ICE board of directors are in agreement with the Aresp decision and worries of the effect of the decision will have on maintaining services.

The ICE president said that not having the added income will place in jeopardy the institution's ability to purchase fuel for the generating stations and may have to consider power cuts and rationing of electrical services.