Following the announcements by the Secretary of Energy about the next gas increases planned for April, there were strong complaints from consumers.
After the start of the Public Hearing for the rise in gas rates, with increases of 330% expected from Aprilthe Association for the Defense of User and Consumer Rights requested the annulment of what was established during the first meeting called with Energas, which took place this morning.
Osvaldo Bassanopresident of this association, pointed out in dialogue with C5N that “this hearing is a disaster” and pointed out that “there are a series of very strong irregularities”, among which he mentioned the lack of rigor regarding the increase percentages. “It was raised without proper information, percentages need to be defined“They are lying to sell us a gigantic elephant when the bill comes,” he denounced.
Change in gas tariff tables: sharp reduction in subsidies
At the opening of Public Hearing 104 of the National Gas Regulatory Entity (Enargas), the Secretary of Energy, Eduardo Rodríguez Chirillo, announced a “new conceptualization” of subsidies for the rate tables of the natural gas service.
Starting in April, subsidies will be determined based on a Basic Energy Basket that covers the needs of users “with different types of consumption in areas of the country.”
In this way, the consultant Economy and Energy estimated that increases could be around 330% in gas for middle-income usershe 168% for low-income and 204% for those who have greater purchasing power. In the case of electricity, the increases would be 327%, 129% and 125%respectively.
“New conceptualization” of subsidies: how it will be fragmented
Rodriguez Chirillo explained how the subsidy system will be carried out and announced that there will be a “new conceptualization”with a “gradual transfer” of the price of the PIST (Point of Entry to the Transportation System) for the “progressive readjustment” of these state transfers.
In that sense, he explained that they are going to “guarantee basic energy consumption for all users“and that the current tariff segmentation will be maintained in the first quarter. The “new scheme” It will begin to be implemented from April.
The new basket “will determine the income of the cohabiting group” and “cover basic needs of people with different types of consumption in the areas of the country”.
With the basket, a quantity of cubic meters in the case of gas or kilowatt hours per month for electricity maximum consumption with subsidies. The rest will be paid full rate.
Source: Ambito
