In Chile, inflation reached its highest level in almost two years, with +1% for the month of October, according to the latest figures from the National Institute of Statistics. An increase mainly due to rising energy prices after the Chilean government ended the freeze on electricity prices in July 2024. This price freeze was put in place five years ago at the time of the social crisis.
2 mins
With our correspondent in Santiago, Naïla Derroisné
In the space of two months, Sandra saw her electricity bill double. “ Before, I paid between 18 to 20 euros per month, today I have to pay around 40 euros “. And with its minimum wage, any savings are good to make. “ I use the kettle, the iron, or the microwave less… I turn off the light earlier too », she explains.
Reduce consumption
Sandra was entitled to financial assistance from the State to cope with this increase in priceswhich is not the case for everyone. This affects the wallet, says Rainel. “ Instead of going to a cafe or restaurant this evening, we preferred to come to the park with the dog », he testifies. In his apartment, he also installed some gadgets to reduce electricity consumption. “ We installed automatic switches that charge using solar energy. And we also program the water heater so that it only turns on twice during the day “.
Drastic decisions
Still others have made more drastic decisions, like Francisco, he sold his restaurant and now delivers meals to events. “ This way we have no rent or fixed costs. We finish the work and it stops there, until the next event “, he explains.
A further increase in electricity prices is expected in two months at Chilenext January.
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