As from Sunday, electricity prices will “float” and the rates will reflect the price of petroleum. According to El Caribe, bills will increase by 8.6%, and, according to the Superintendent of Electricity, the IMF has pushed for a monthly adjustment in the electricity rates based on the price of oil. Apparently the increase is due to conditions imposed by the IMF in order to release a US$150 million loan aimed at supporting the electricity sector that was recently approved by Congress. The increase is also blamed on the increased value of the U.S. dollar versus the Dominican peso, that averaged RD$33.13 at the exchange banks during December. However, some 594,000 customers will continue to receive the lowest rates according to the new classifications released by the Superintendent’s office. Anyone consuming over 200 kWh per month will be charged the new, increased rates.