ARESEP submits compensation for power outages to public hearing

The Public Services Regulatory Authority (ARESEP) is submitting for a virtual public hearing the proposal for the “Methodology for Determining Economic Compensation for Energy Not Supplied (MET-CENS)” and the partial modification of the technical standard “Supervision of Electric Supply Quality in Low and Medium Voltage (AR-NT-SUCAL)”, issued via Resolution RJD-070-2015. The process is being handled under file IRM-009-2026 and was published in the Official Gazette La Gaceta No. 167 on Friday, September 4, 2026, page 90.

The hearing will take place on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at 17:15 hours (5:15 p.m.) via the Zoom Platform, with the link available on the institutional website. This call corresponds to the third publication of the notice and is based on the Board of Directors agreement number 10-65-2026, adopted in ordinary session 65-2026 on August 5, 2026, and ratified on August 12 following.

What the MET-CENS methodology proposes

The MET-CENS establishes the technical and economic criteria to calculate and credit, automatically on the bill, compensation to subscribers connected to circuits whose annual continuity indicators exceed the limits defined by ARESEP. The calculation takes into account:

• the degree of non-compliance with continuity limits;
• the percentage of service outage time;
• an adjustment factor associated with the circuit category;
• the evolution of the circuit’s performance.

The reference indicators are the average duration of network interruptions (DPIR) and the average frequency of interruptions per subscriber (FPI). The compensated amounts must be assumed by the electric distribution service providers, without recognition or tariff transfer to the users.

Reform of the AR-NT-SUCAL standard

Along with the methodology, it is proposed to partially modify the technical standard AR-NT-SUCAL so that it maintains the continuity technical limits and indicators and the obligation to compensate, while the proposed methodology regulates the calculation and other technical and economic aspects of the compensation. In particular, articles 62 and 74 are adjusted and articles 75 to 81 of the standard are repealed.

With both proposals, the aim is to strengthen the protection of users and incentivize the progressive improvement of the continuity and reliability of the electric supply throughout the country.

How to participate in the hearing

Interested parties may present a position in favor or against, stating the reasons, through two channels:

• orally, by registering previously with ARESEP to speak at the hearing;
• via a signed written document, submitted to the institution’s offices, by fax, or through the official email of the User Counselor.

In both cases, a photocopy of the identity card must be attached and a means for receiving notifications must be indicated. Legal entities may participate through their legal representative with a current certification of legal standing.

Impact for users

The initiative affects all users of the country’s electricity distribution service, as it introduces automatic compensation for supply outages that exceed the quality limits defined by the regulator. Since the cost falls on the providers without a tariff transfer, the measure seeks to ensure that distribution companies improve service continuity and that subscribers receive direct reimbursement on their billing.

Source: La Gaceta — Official Gazette, No. 167, Friday, September 4, 2026, p. 90 (official reference: file IRM-009-2026).