Consumers complain about the cost of electricity in RS | Rio Grande do Sul

Consumers complain that it is difficult to balance the budget.

"Even if we save money, even if we leave the lights on, it seems we are not doing anything," explains Ivete Strapbadon.

According to the government, the increase is pbaded on to the consumer because of the higher cost of electricity production. With reservoirs in low plants, thermoelectric generators that generate energy from coal are connected and the cost increases. Whoever has company also feels the impact.

"Activate air conditioning, only in the latter case, when the customer requests it, otherwise we drop," says director Edi Fátima Ribas.

The lighting system of a state living room has been replaced by more economical light bulbs to try to save energy. But, this economy is virtually canceled every time the flag changes. In June, the account grew to just over $ 2,000 and could be higher in July.

"When you raise the flag, you come back with this high cost, we can not pbad it on to the consumer, we have to absorb that cost," says barber Marco Antônio Lummertz.

The light bill of a RS market in 2015 was just over R $ 6 thousand.In June this year it was 10,000 reais.Worried, the owners have been thinking about using solar panels.But they have opted for other alternatives, such as installing a power substation and a diesel generator. The account is still high.