Chile to suspend peak electricity charges in September 2026

The Chilean Ministry of Energy has announced the suspension of peak hour electricity charges during September 2026. This measure aims to reduce operational costs for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and the agricultural sector, which are intensive energy users.

While the industry group Chilealimentos welcomed the decision, it has urged the government to extend this relief to April 2026. April is a critical month for processing summer harvests, such as tomatoes, apples, and pears. Industry leaders argue that current peak tariffs force companies to either reduce production or switch to expensive diesel generators, which contradicts national decarbonization goals. According to a study by ACENOR, approximately 24% of free customers reduce production during peak periods, while 23% resort to diesel self-generation.