According to the coordinator of ADECOR's legal office, André Mingas, the measure, sent to the court on Wednesday, aims to suspend the ruling by the Water and Electricity Services Regulatory Institute (IRSEA) approving new water and electricity tariffs, which are scheduled to come into effect next month.
"We are taking this measure on behalf of all consumers in the country and the purpose is to stop the application of this new tariff", said the official at a press conference on Wednesday, stating that the IRSEA directive did not follow legal procedures.
André Mingas argued that the use of the legal measure comes in the wake of several contacts and dialogues held with the regulatory entity, with the aim of it withdrawing the decision, but without "great progress".
"We are therefore appealing to the court so that this body can block the introduction or implementation of this new tariff in defense of all consumers", he stressed, noting that the procedures for approving this tariff completely violate consumer rights".
According to ADECOR's executive coordinator, Gilberto dos Santos, the approval of the new water and electricity tariff was not assessed by the Tariff Council, an advisory body to IRSEA, of which the association and public sector companies are members.
The Tariff Council "is the specialized body to assess and express opinions on the tariffs proposed by concessionary companies", recalled the official, noting that this entity "was not consulted and did not assess the new tariff, which violates legal provisions".
Water and electricity tariffs in Angola will increase by 30 percent and 11.5 percent, respectively, according to the new table approved by IRSEA, which comes into effect in June.
IRSEA emphasizes, in the statement, that the tariff update will be gradual and aims to cover the increase in utility costs production and distribution, modernize and expand networks in urban and rural areas, and prevent degradation of services.
Electricity will undergo an initial adjustment of 11.5 percent, based on an average tariff of 12.8 kwanzas/kWh.
In his speech, Gilberto dos Santos defended the need for the executive branch to "improve" the country's water and electricity transportation and distribution system and the "functional independence of IRSEA, as a de facto regulatory body" and not under the supervision of the Ministry of Energy and Water.
For ADECOR, a sanctioning regulation for public water and electricity companies, "especially due to the insufficiencies and constant daily service cuts," should improve the companies' performance.
