The challenges related to the high costs of the public energy service in the Caribbean region stand out as a considerable impediment that not only reduces the quality of life of citizens, but also hinders the regional economic development.
This crisis, far from being new, persists over time, generating growing concern and discomfort among its inhabitants. For many households, paying the energy bill represents a significant burden on their monthly income, drastically restricting their ability to meet other basic needs, such as such as food, education, transportation and health.
Recommended: “President, 11,000 families enter poverty for paying the energy bill”: Carlos Felipe Quintero
On the other hand, the business sector faces a considerable financial burden due to high energy costs, which reduces its competitiveness and capacity to innovate and growsr. This situation has a negative impact on the generation of employment and the economic development of the region, condemning us to continue as one of the poorest regions in Colombia.
It is crucial to highlight that the high energy costs in the Caribbean, does not have a single cause, but is the result of a complex interaction of various factors. These include insufficient investment in energy infrastructure, dependence on expensive and unsustainable energy sources, the additional burden on users due to illegal connections, known as “non-technical losses of the tariff component”, and the lack of effective regulation by the competent authorities.
Given this scenario, it is imperative that the National government, service providing companies and local authorities adopt urgent and effective measures to address this serious situation in a comprehensive manner. This will involve financial and infrastructure efforts by various actors.
Some of the solutions that could help solve this problem are: 1. the implementation of a differential rate by the Energy and Gas Regulation Commission (CREG)because it is unacceptable that the Caribbean is the only region of the country where the unit cost of a kilowatt is in some areas above a thousand pesos.
Situation that must be corrected so that the rate adequately reflects the socioeconomic reality of its inhabitants. We are not the only ones who have high temperatures, but we are the only ones who pay for energy at a gold price; 2. It is necessary to take away the reward for their inefficiency from the electricity service providers, because we cannot allow users to continue paying for the “non-technical losses of the tariff component.” An efficient and operational company should have non-technical losses of less than 10%, while in the Caribbean these exceed 20%. We cannot continue paying the righteous for sinners.
SOLUTION AND PROJECT
These solutions are palliative and temporary measures. The true long-term solution lies in overcoming the lack of sustainable and sustainable energy sources. Therefore, it is essential to promote renewable energy, such as solar or wind, and modernize electrical transmission and distribution infrastructure to increase its efficiency and reduce long-term costs.
If he state makes a significant commitment to the increase in solar farms that feed the national electrical grid, promotes bills such as the installation of solar panels in social and priority housing (Bill 081 of 2023, of my authorship), and launch a network of wind farms, the tariff formula could be modified and allow thousands of families who currently cannot pay their bill to live with dignity.
We continue working to make our project law. The installation of solar panels will save more than 66% on energy rates for users. Thanks to the deputy minister of housing for his support. @Minvivienda. pic.twitter.com/ScIodJvoU4
— Carlos Felipe Quintero Ovalle (@CarlosFelipeQ) March 10, 2023
I believe that the only way to overcome this crisis is through a great alliance between the Caribbean caucus, local authorities, a peacefully mobilized citizenry and the business sector. Only in this way can we achieve our goal: a reliable energy servicewith wide coverage and fair prices.
The high costs of public energy services in the Caribbean region represent a significant challenge that requires immediate and coordinated action. United we are stronger.
By Carlos Felipe Quintero Ovalle