Guatemala's Electricity Prices Soar: Minister Explains the Surcharges

Guatemala Faces Steep Rise in Electricity Costs: Minister Explains Surcharges Guatemala City, May 24, 2025 – Guatemalans are facing a substantial increase in their electricity bills, prompting concerns and questions about the reasons behind the price hike. A recent news report by La Red 106.1 interviewed the Minister of Energy, who shed light on the situation. According to the Minister, a significant contributor to the increased costs is the addition of surcharges at the municipal level. "Each municipality can set its own value for public lighting," the Minister stated, explaining that this has resulted in widely varying electricity prices across the country. In some areas, these surcharges amount to a 13% increase. In addition to the municipal surcharges, the Minister also mentioned other factors that contribute to the overall increase in electricity costs. The report highlighted the need for greater transparency in energy pricing to ensure that consumers are not unfairly burdened by these added costs. The report concludes by emphasizing the importance of understanding the complexities of energy pricing and the need for a clear and transparent system that protects consumers.