Aresep calls for hearing to lower water protection tariff by 15.9%

The Public Services Regulatory Authority (Aresep) has called for a public hearing to update the water resource protection fee (TPRH) charged by the Costa Rican Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers (AYA). The proposal contemplates an average adjustment of -15.9% which will take effect from January 1, 2027. The notice was published in La Gaceta No. 168 on Monday, September 7, 2026, under reference IN202601124299.

The call is being processed under file ET-091-2026 and responds to the settlement of the TPRH in accordance with the “Tariff Methodology for the Protection of Water Resources (MTPRH)”, approved by the Aresep Board of Directors through resolution RE-0098-JD-2023 on October 4, 2023. The new fee will be applied according to the current tariff structure and will be in effect from January 1 to December 31, 2027.

The public hearing

The hearing will be held virtually on Monday, October 5, 2026, at 5:15 p.m. via the Zoom platform, with the link available on the Aresep website.

• The explanatory and Q&A session will be broadcast on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. on Aresep’s Facebook profile.
• The recording will be available the following day at www.aresep.go.cr.
• The complete proposal can be consulted in electronic file ET-091-2026, in the “Files” section of the Aresep portal.

How to participate

Interested parties may present a position in favor or against through two channels:

• Orally: register by 4:00 p.m. on the day of the hearing via email at consejero@aresep.go.cr, indicating name, ID number, notification method, and telephone.
• Via signed writing: submit it at the Aresep offices or send it to the email consejero@aresep.go.cr until the day of the hearing.

Legal entities participate through their legal representative, with a current certification of legal standing. Those with hearing or speech disabilities may request a Costa Rican Sign Language (LESCO) interpreter seven business days in advance.

Deadlines and inquiries

Written questions or inquiries will be received until Wednesday, September 23, 2026, and will be answered no later than Wednesday, September 30, 2026. For additional guidance, users may contact the User Counselor at consejero@aresep.go.cr or the toll-free line 8000 273737.

The downward adjustment of the TPRH directly impacts the water bills of AYA users by reducing the component destined for the protection of water resources. Citizen participation in the hearing is key to ensuring that the final decision reflects the interests of consumers.

Source: La Gaceta — Official Gazette, No. 168, Monday, September 7, 2026, Decentralized Institutions section, page 29 (official reference: IN202601124299).