MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Santiago has dearest basic services of S. American capitals

Santiago de Chile city

Santiago de Chile residents pay more for their light and water than the citizens of any other capital in South America, according to a recent survey conducted by the EL Mercurio newspaper.

The average Santiago water bill is 22.30 US dollars per 30 cubic meters. This compares to the average water bill in Caracas, Venezuela of 6.30 US dollar for 30 cubic meters, the cheapest in the region. Quito, Ecuador and Montevideo, Uruguay also have low rates, 7.8 US dollars and 10.10 US dollars per month, respectively. Similarly, Santiago tops the list of high electricity bills at 31 US dollars per month, a little over 6 US dollars more than the average Uruguayan electricity bill. Residents in the capital cities of Argentina, Ecuador, Venezuela, and Bolivia all pay less than 13 US dollars per month. The high water and light prices in Chile are due largely to a lack of subsidies. For example, Argentines pay their water bills every two months and may use up to 20 cubic meters of water for free during each pay period. The price differences are also the result of discrepancies in service. Not every part of every city in South America has access to potable water, and the level of water treatment is often insufficient. In contrast, Santiago's water will all soon be completely treated, once construction of a third treatment plant is completed. Although Santiago's basic services seem expensive compared to the rest of South America, they are relatively cheap compared to other cities in Chile. Antofogasta's water is most expensive, costing 19 US dollars for 15 cubic meters. Electricity rates, too, are steeper outside Santiago. In Puerto Montt, for example, prices are roughly 4 US dollars more than those in the capital for the same service. The typical energy bill in the capital Santiago has risen about 46% since January. That figure will probably be closer to 54% when the price hikes mandated last October are calculated. The Santiago Times