To Prevent an Increase in Electricity Rates, the Government Allocates $18.8 Million
This agreement stipulates that users in these areas will continue to pay the current rate, the Government stated.
Cost of the Electricity Tariff
The Government, through the Cabinet Council, approved Resolution 19-26, which authorizes a state contribution of $18,842,193.43 to the Western Tariff Fund (FTO), with the objective of stabilizing the cost of electricity in the province of Bocas del Toro, benefiting some 183,000 people. The measure directly impacts residential users in Almirante, Guabito, Las Tablas and Changuinola, where the subsidy allows them to maintain the electricity rate they currently pay without changes, despite the real costs of the service.
According to what was approved, “this fund compensates for the benefit applied by the Chiriquí Electric Distribution Company, SA (Edechi), to its end customers and the rate paid, during the period from July to December 2025.” The document also establishes that the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) will manage the transfer of resources to the Electric Transmission Company, SA (Etesa), in its role as trustee of the fund. The resolution “authorizes the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) to manage the necessary procedures to transfer, in whole or in part, funds to the Electric Transmission Company, SA (Etesa), in its capacity as Trustee of the FTO.”
The approved payment is based on provisions adopted since 2015, when the State signed the Western Tariff Fund Trust Agreement with Etesa. This agreement stipulates that users in these areas will continue to pay the current rate while improvements are made to the quality of the electricity supply. “The contract stipulates that customers in Almirante, Guabito, Las Tablas, Changuinola and surrounding areas, while the necessary adjustments are made to improve the quality of their electricity supply, will maintain the rates they currently pay and the difference with the corresponding approved real cost rate will be assumed by the State.” The trust seeks to guarantee price stability in the electricity service for Edechi’s customers, through the transfer of funds that must be passed on in full to the end consumers.
