The Chilean fresh fruit industry has confronted national electricity companies over skyrocketing energy prices, demanding a change in the current tariff system, according to a report in The Santiago Times.
The move follows a study commissioned by Asoex which revealed discrepancies in electricity charges since under the current system energy companies including Chilectra, CGE and the Saesa Group are allegedly able to increase electricity prices at peak-usage times during the day.
According to Asoex, the tariff system used to devise electricity distribution costs also uses outdated figures and fails to take real consumption into consideration.
The association’s president Ronald Bown has proposed four key reforms, including modernising the tariff options for clients; investing in technology for more efficient energy; promoting competition and market development; and clarifying electricity “peak hours” and their relation to energy costs.
The Chilean fruit sector’s expenditure on electricity has increased significantly in the last four years, rising by 183 per cent to some US$344m in 2007. A further 11 per cent rise is anticipated by the end of 2008.
