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View Full Version : No consensus for Electricity Law changes



NewsWhore
02-01-2007, 06:20 PM
Members of the business sector and the government's energy cabinet met for three hours yesterday but were not able to come to an agreement about the renegotiations of the General Electricity Law 125-01. State Run Electricity Company (CDEEE) head Radhames Segura is still optimistic that a consensus will be met. Business sector representatives agree on stipulations that would make electricity fraud a crime, but do not agree with changes that would affect the non-regulated power user provisions contained in the Electricity Law. Large industries have benefited from being able to disconnect from the electricity distribution companies and connect directly to the transmission lines. The power price reductions are crucial to the survival of several of the companies that have adhered to the program, and to others that have requested adhesion under the terms of the present law.
As reported, the government has made a commitment to incorporate the provision to criminalize electricity fraud and thus reduce the needed government electricity subsidy in its talks with the International Monetary Fund before the 14 February review of the current IMF Stand-by arrangement letter of intent. Since Congress breaks until 27 February, the government may now need to ask the IMF for a special dispensation.

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