Enel Distribución files appeal for replacement of SEC fine associated with transmission in electricity supply bills

Published on Wednesday, 16 December 2020

Santiago, December 16, 2020. On November 25, the Superintendence of Electricity and Fuels (SEC) fined Enel Distribución for excluding a transmission charge from the provisional billing.

In consideration, Enel Distribución replied that procedures to determine the provisional invoiced amount did not constitute an error. In fact, between March 25 and June 15, 2020, the company billed a large number of its customers based on estimated consumption due to the suspension of pedestrian meter readings due to the pandemic. We applied the same monthly regulations for more than ten years regarding provisional billing. Something never before examined by the SEC.

The difference in values between provisional and final bills was evident when it was possible to have a useful reading and did not depend exclusively on incorporating the transmission charge. The estimated consumption was mainly determined based on a 6-month average that does not necessarily reflect each month's actual consumption.

However, Enel Distribución provided payment facilities in five installments without interest to all customers whose final billing was higher than the provisional billing. Likewise, it returned in one installment when the difference was in favor of the client.

Enel Distribución has provided and will continue to cooperate with all its clients during this emergency period, focusing on the most vulnerable, to reduce this pandemic's impact on families' budget.

Concerning the SEC fine, our company has filed all appropriate appeals on December 3. We will exercise all actions granted in the legislation to demonstrate that the company has not violated any regulations in force.