Electricity Rates

A think tank analyzing Honduras's new energy law found that freezing electricity rates through March 2027 would cost about L6 billion (roughly $240 million), with the richest 10% of customers capturing 65% of the savings while low-income households receive only 9%.

The government will temporarily absorb a 33.5% increase in Utila's average electricity rate, which rose from L 11.20 to L 14.95 per kilowatt-hour, to prevent the hike from reaching residents and businesses.

Honduras's energy regulator approved a 0.64% average rate increase for state utility ENEE users effective October 1, but a legal rate freeze prevents the increase from appearing on bills; the government will absorb the deferred costs.

Honduras's electricity regulator approved a 0.64% rate increase for the fourth quarter of 2026, but the newly enacted Energy Justice Law blocks ENEE from passing the increase to consumers, keeping electricity bills frozen through March 2027.

Honduras's planned energy reform faces delays as the government struggles to find resources to cover the cost of freezing electricity rates for six months, raising questions about who will ultimately bear the financial burden.

The electricity rate in Utila, Bay Islands, will rise from L11.20 to L14.95 per kilowatt-hour on October 1, a 33.5% increase that residents say will strain household budgets; a public assembly is planned for Tuesday to address concerns.

The electricity regulator CREE will hold a public hearing on September 22 for Utila Power Company users to review and comment on a proposed new interim rate structure for the island's isolated power system.

Honduras's new Energy Justice Law freezes electricity rates for six months, but the Electricity Regulatory Commission warns that bills can still increase if household consumption rises or if commercial charges apply.

The electrical regulator (CREE) is expected to approve a 17% rate increase on September 30, but a six-month rate freeze and state subsidies enacted by Congress will prevent the increase from reaching residential and vulnerable consumers.

Honduras's new Energy Justice Law temporarily freezes ENEE electricity rates for six months, allows eligible low-income households to seek forgiveness of accumulated debts up to 250 kWh monthly consumption, and creates tax breaks for residential solar-panel systems.

Honduras ranks third in Central America for residential electricity costs at $0.236 per kilowatt-hour, but economists say the true cost to users and public finances is far higher due to losses at the state utility Enee, debt servicing, and an incomplete energy-sector reform.

Leonardo Deras, commissioner of Honduras's electrical regulator, warns that Middle Eastern conflict pressures are likely to drive electricity costs to their highest levels of the year in the fourth quarter, as deferred rate adjustments of about 6% per trimester may no longer be sustainable.

Honduras's basic basket of essential goods has climbed to around L17,000 (about $680) in 2026, driven by a 24% increase in electricity rates and volatile fuel prices that consumer advocates say are pushing food staples out of reach for poor Hondurans.

Economist Ismael Zepeda says the Central Bank will struggle to control inflation through monetary policy given international conflicts raising fuel costs and a planned electricity rate increase in the third quarter, though the bank aims to absorb excess money supply and cut monetary emissions by 11%.

Honduras's electricity regulator (CREE) found billing errors affecting 114 customers of Roatán Electric Company on Roatán and José Santos Guardiola islands and has suspended those charges pending corrected invoices.

Economist Amparo Canales warns that rising electricity rates risk setting off cascading inflation and further increasing the cost of living for Hondurans.

Consumer advocates project that adjustments to electricity tariffs will increase the price of Honduras's basic food basket by about 800 lempiras (roughly $32).

A commission from Honduras's electricity regulator (CREE) arrived on Roatán to meet with the local utility and residents over recent tariff increases that have sparked complaints from families and businesses across the island.

Honduras's energy regulator (CREE) has warned that electricity rates will likely rise again in the coming quarter due to volatile and rising fuel prices.

Residents of Roatán in the Bay Islands are protesting high power bills, with businesses forced to close and households resorting to candlelight or darkness to cope with costs.