Energy Policy

Congress suspended debate on a proposed energy modernization law after the Liberal Party and social sectors demanded more time and transparency, citing concerns over potential rate increases and the future of the state electricity company ENEE.

Vice President of Congress Godofredo Fajardo introduced a bill to block a 12.82% electricity rate increase announced by the energy regulator, keeping the price at 5.32 lempiras per kilowatt-hour instead of allowing it to rise to 5.98 lempiras, citing the burden on household budgets and business costs.

An energy analyst at the ASJ warns that Honduras's next power-rate adjustment could increase due to rising fuel prices and the country's heavy reliance on fossil-fuel generation, citing a lack of competitive bidding that has forced ENEE to rely on costly spot-market contracts.

Economist Amparo Canales welcomed fuel price reductions as temporary relief but stressed that savings must translate into lower consumer prices broadly, urging authorities to monitor for pricing abuses.

Honduras is preparing an international tender for 1,500 megawatts of firm capacity using liquefied natural gas, aiming to diversify its energy matrix and add capacity needed to meet growing demand over the next decade.

The Liberal Party declared support for reforming the national electricity utility ENEE but demanded that strategic state assets, including the El Cajón hydroelectric dam, be protected from any privatization as part of the overhaul.

CREE commissioner Héctor Corrales said the agency's review of electricity tariffs reflects upward pressure from rising fuel prices, exchange-rate shifts, and increased energy demand.

New weekly fuel prices take effect Monday, with super gasoline and diesel dropping in both Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula, while regular gasoline and domestic LPG rise slightly, according to the Energy Secretariat.