Chilean Government challenges basic service reconnection rule in Constitutional Court

The Chilean government has filed a challenge with the Constitutional Court against a provision in a major reconstruction reform bill. The contested article would mandate the free reconnection of basic services, such as electricity, water, and gas, in areas declared as catastrophe zones, even for customers with unpaid debts.

Finance Minister Jorge Quiroz argued that the provision deviates from the original purpose of the reform, which was intended to finance and accelerate reconstruction. Quiroz stated that the measure was added via a parliamentary indication and falls outside the “idea matriz” (core idea) of the project. He noted that while the government does not reject the concept of providing benefits during catastrophes, the current wording poses legislative risks.

The legal action has also highlighted internal government friction. Minister Quiroz addressed reports of a lack of coordination regarding the decision, specifically noting that Minister Claudio Alvarado had not been informed. Quiroz minimized the incident as “incidental,” asserting that the request to the Constitutional Court was a collective government decision signed by the President and four ministers.