Costa Rica News – In 2013, the Regulatory Authority for Public Services (Aresep) processed 230 complaints regarding inaccurate water billing. That figure accounts for 90% of the complaints against the water and sewer service, so something had to change. The solution came this week.
This week, they launched an online tool for users to confirm the amounts charged for the service. It’s a digital calculator that can be used to double-check the correctness of amounts charged by Aya, ESPH, and Cooked, the main water service companies.
The user simply enters the system and chooses the company that services them. Next, they select the type of service, fixed or measured. They input the number of cubic meters consumed by the date for review and hit “calculate.” Instantly, the correct amount is displayed along with a breakdown of services, such as water, sewer, and fire hydrants.
There is also a visual guide, showing users where to find each piece of information on their receipts. The visual guide shows how one can tell if they have been charged for sewer or hydrant services mistakenly, as some people do not have this service, yet have been charged for it. If any discrepancy is found, a claim should be submitted. ARESEP’s rates are frozen for the first half of 2014, as they have enough cash flow to maintain operations and implement new projects.
