Lawmakers ask president to review energy bills

Lawmakers of the Commission of Energy and Hydraulic Resources of the Assembly unanimously approved a resolution proposed by National Action Party Assemblywoman Eva María Vázquez Hernández to address the so-called “crazy bills” issued by the Federal Electricity Commission to Mexicali consumers.

The warrant reads verbatim: “The President of Mexico Andrés Manuel López Obrador is respectfully urged to issue instructions to the Mexican Energy Regulatory Commission, as well as to the (Director) of the Federal Electricity Commission, so that they immediately and urgently review, revoke and amend the high charges in the public energy service for the citizens of Mexicali, Baja California, thereby addressing the recurring for this region called ‘crazy bills’”.Mexicali energy consumers have reported billing amounts of up to five times this year compared to those issued last year.

During the meeting, Assemblyman Juan Meléndrez Espinoza proposed to add to the resolution a question about potential solutions to the high bills.

Lawmakers also asked Gov. Jaime Bonilla to report in detail the status of the program that provides funds to help low-income residents with the payment of their energy bills.

Allegedly, the program has not been activated due to debt incurred by the previous administration with the Federal Electricity Commission.

State authorities announced days ago the launch of the program and the introduction of a bill to provide funds to pay down the debt.

According to Assemblywoman Carmen Leticia Hernández, energy reforms approved by previous federal administrations took removed federal control of energy production, which has affected prices. She said with the reforms promoted by the federal government to regain full control, prices will drop.

Assemblyman Rodrigo Aníbal Otáñez recalled that two months ago the Federal Electricity Commission increased electrical rates by 5 percent.