Valledupar, a city already facing serious economic challenges, has been hit again, this time by the exorbitant costs of electricity. According to the latest report from the National Administrative Department of Statistics (DANE), Valledupar not only leads the annual inflation rate at the national level with an alarming 9.1%, but also registers the highest annual variation in the cost of electricity with 31.6%. This situation raises serious questions about the management and pricing criteria of Afinia, the energy supplier company in the region.
To put this in perspective, let’s consider a typical household in Valledupar was paying $100,000 for their electricity bill in May 2023. A year later, that same household has seen its bill increase by $131,600. This increase is not just a cold statistic; represents a significant burden on families who are already struggling to make ends meet amid rampant inflation. When the national inflation average is 7.16%, the case of Valledupar stands out as an example extreme and worrying.
The truth is that we are tired of talking about this topic over and over again, but it seems that talking about the cost of energy in Valledupar is like fighting against a wall. Nobody listens or does anything. Despite constant complaints and complaints from citizens, it seems that the authorities and supplier companies like Afinia remain deaf to our needs and difficulties.
It’s not just about electricity. The cost of rent, and essential services such as water and gas, has also risen. But it is electricity that has seen the most significant increase, seriously questioning Afinia’s pricing policy. In an environment where per capita income is not growing at the same rate as costs, this increase becomes a form of economic oppression that strangles working families.
Why this disproportionate increase? The reasons may be diverse: from inefficiencies in company management to the lack of adequate regulation that protects consumers. But what is clear is that this 31.6% increase in electricity has no justification in an economy that is already on the verge of collapse for many citizens.
The authorities must intervene. ANDIt is imperative that independent audits be carried out on supplier companies like Afinia to understand the reasons behind these exorbitant increases. The implementation of temporary or permanent subsidies for the most affected families should also be considered, as well as incentive policies for the use of alternative energies that can alleviate the burden on the conventional electrical system.
Ultimately, the situation in Valledupar is not only a case of economic injustice, but a reflection of the lack of attention to the basic needs of citizens. Electrical energy is not a luxury, it is a basic need and access to it at a reasonable cost should be a guaranteed right. It is time for local and national authorities to take action on the matter and protect citizens from the abuses and excesses of public service provider companies. It’s enough of being ignored; Our voices must be heard and our needs met.
By Tatiana Barros
