Instead of the quoted 6.4% electricity rate increase announced by the government, middle class consumers in the DR are suffering a 22.4% rate increase, reports El Dia. The Superintendence of Electricity says that 6.4% is an average when taking into account the different tiers of increases.
Resolution 44 issued by the Superintendence establishes that the increases range from 2.21% to 22.4%. The 22.4% increase affects clients that consume between 301 and 700 kilowatts, which includes most middle class households.
The Superintendence authorized a 5% increase for commercial users (from RD$5.44 to RD$5.82) this June.
The scaled rate increases by consumption for households is:
0-200 kws: From RD$3.12 to RD$3.50 or 12.17%;
201-300 kws: From RD$4.71 to RD$5.50 or 16.77%;
301-700kw: From RD$7 to RD$8.57 or 22.4%;
700kw+: From RD$8.57 to RD$8.76 or 2.21%
Take note that households consuming more than 700kws are billed entirely at the RD$8.76 rate.