The Ministry of Mines and Energy issued more than 291,799 million pesos to cover the electricity subsidies that benefits low-income families in the country.
This amount corresponds to approximately 50 percent of what you are owed by the second quarter of 2023 to companies that provide this service to users connected to the national network.
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The resources will reach 24 companies and cover part of the subsidy deficit caused and granted in the energy bill of more than 7.24 million users of strata one, two and three in the country.
Specifically, this subsidy allows financing 60 percent of the subsistence consumption of stratum one households. While for those in stratum two this benefit is 50 percent and 15 percent for families in stratum three.
“The Government thus reiterates its commitment to low-income citizens to continue supporting through this subsidy a percentage of the payment that corresponds to them for the electric energy service“, Minister Irene Vélez specified.
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It is important to consider how much remains to be appropriated by December 31
With this new twist, so far this term, payments have been made to cover the deficit to the companies providing the electric power service for 2.4 trillion pesosof which 1.3 trillion cover the backlog for the third and fourth quarters of 2022.
In addition, 767,000 million pesos were allocated for what was owed during the first quarter of 2023 and 291,000 million to cover part of what was pending in the second quarter of 2023.
“Undoubtedly, the National Government values this payment, but it is important to consider how much is still to be appropriated by December 31, which, as we have increased it on a previous occasion due to the budget reduction, there is still a shortage of resources“, highlighted José Camilo Manzur, executive director of the Colombian Association of Electric Power Distributors (Asocodis).
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Vanexa Romero / EL TIEMPO
In addition, he ensures that, although companies have always financed the deficit of subsidies, this year The situation is much more difficult due to the lack of liquidity causedMainly, due to the tariff option.
Therefore, many companies do not have all the resources to finance these subsidies and at the same time carry out investment projects to continue improving quality, reducing losses and increasing service coverage.
“It is important advance in the structural solution of the rate option and in the regulation of the Findeter credits approved in the budget increase law, since these resources alleviate or give oxygen to the liquidity situation ”, requested the union leader.
