Electricity rates will increase by 1.5% starting this Saturday in the metropolitan region, while gas rates will rise by an average of 1.6% in the rest of the country. These measures were adopted through a series of resolutions from the Energy Secretariat, ENARGAS, and ENRE, which were published today in the Official Bulletin.
"In order to ensure a sustainable and equitable supply of gas and electrical energy for all users, to avoid shortages, and to ensure the economic viability of the energy sector, the National Government updated prices for February 2025. This way, we eliminate intermediaries and expedite the payment chain," the competent agency noted.
This decision aims to accelerate the removal of subsidies to gradually approach full payment of the cost of energy and electricity with the goal of consolidating the fiscal surplus. The increase decided by the Ministry of Economy is slightly below inflation expectations for February.
"In this way, the discounts will be 65% for low-income users (N2) and 50% for middle-income users (N3)," the official statement adds.
Additionally, the Secretariat reported that "in line with the goal of simplifying processes and reducing bureaucracy in the State, it was decided to change the compensation mechanism based on the price resulting from the application of the Natural Gas Social Tariff regime. These will have a final bill adjustment of 1.6% for natural gas through networks and 1.5% for electrical energy," indicated a statement from the Energy Secretariat.
The increase also includes a new reduction of subsidies, which impact levels 2 and 3, including those low and medium-income individuals. Level 1 no longer receives any state assistance and pays the full price for services.
"On the other hand, it has been decided to unify and simplify the discounts of the percentages of rebates on the Entry Point to the Transport System (PIST) and the Seasonal Price of Electricity (PEST) for base consumption. Now, compensation payments will be made directly to producers and not to distributors. The intention is for tariffs, which significantly impact family budgets, to adjust below general inflation."
