Electricity bill increases spark protests and audits in Argentina

Residents in Metán and Catamarca are protesting significant increases in electricity bills, with some reporting hikes of up to 100%. In Metán, the Public Services Regulatory Body has initiated a general audit of recent billing following intense local protests, including street blockades and demonstrations.

Edesa, the utility provider, defended its management, attributing the increases to seasonal consumption rises and a reduction in federal energy subsidies. Meanwhile, in Catamarca, users of EC SAPEM have reported bill increases of approximately 90%, claiming that official projections of moderate adjustments were not met and that subsidies were not correctly applied to eligible households.

Additional complaints in the Catamarca region include allegations of inequity, with residents reporting high costs while claiming that irregular connections without meters persist in certain areas.