Debt Forgiveness

Honduras's state power utility will forgive 100% of accumulated electricity debt—including penalties and interest—for low-income residential customers with average monthly consumption up to 250 kWh, under Article 20 of the Energy Justice Law approved in August.

Honduras's state power utility reduced its arrears to energy generators from over L16 billion to L7.4 billion (about $296 million) through payments exceeding L9 billion since April, while beginning to forgive residential customer debts under a new energy-justice law that could benefit up to 80,000 families.

Congress Energy Commission member Eder Mejía said the government's electric-sector reforms, which would forgive debts for users consuming under 200 kWh monthly, freeze rates for six months, and regularize illegal connections, are expected to be published in the official gazette next week.

A lawmaker has proposed forgiving Fundaniquem's electricity debt of L 5.46 million (about $218,000), saying the country's only specialized burn-rehabilitation center for children should not bear arrears left by past administrations.