Watch Out for Rising Electricity Bills Due to Heatwave Nicaraguans are experiencing high electricity bills, with a heatwave increasing consumption due to the use of fans and air conditioners, and refrigerators working harder. The country’s electricity distribution is controlled by a monopoly, Diss Norte-Diss Sur, where the state is both a regulator and a partner, creating a conflict of interest and leaving consumers with no alternatives and facing rising, unexplained charges.

• Nicaraguan families dedicate a significant portion of their income to electricity bills, paying the highest rates in Central America.
• The current heatwave, with temperatures up to 41 degrees Celsius, increases electricity usage from fans and air conditioners, potentially straining family budgets.
• A 24-year-old resident, ‘Juan,’ reports monthly bills of 1,500 córdobas despite minimal appliance usage, with higher bills in previous months.
• Some neighbors reportedly pay up to 4,000 córdobas monthly due to higher consumption from children.
• Social media platforms show complaints from Nicaraguans with bills ranging from 4,000 to 11,000 córdobas.
• A subsidy for consumption below 150 kilowatts is deemed impractical by residents.
• ENATREL confirms that heatwaves increase electricity bills due to prolonged use of cooling devices and increased refrigerator activity.
• ENATREL recommends adjusting air conditioning temperatures, unplugging devices, and using natural ventilation.
• Nicaragua’s electricity distribution operates under an absolute monopoly by Diss Norte-Diss Sur, with the state as both regulator and a direct partner, creating a conflict of interest.
• This structure leads to a lack of transparency, potential for abusive charges, and consumers paying for inefficiencies in the electricity grid. https://nicaraguainvestiga.com/economia/170514-cuidado-con-subir-su-recibo-de-luz-por-ola-de-calor/