Most residential electricity customers in Panama will see no increase on their power bills during the first half of 2026. The Empresa de Distribución Eléctrica S.A. (ENSA) made this announcement while detailing a new tariff schedule set to take effect in January. The company serves over half a million clients across the country, primarily in Panama province.
ENSA confirmed that 71.5 percent of its customers will be shielded from price hikes. This group consists mainly of residential users on the BTS rate who maintain monthly consumption between 0 and 300 kilowatt-hours. These clients will continue receiving support from the ordinary Tariff Stabilization Fund (FET), a permanent subsidy for this consumption bracket. The remaining 28.5 percent of users face an average increase of 2.74 percent on their bills.
The adjustment follows the expiration of an additional, temporary FET subsidy that was in place for the latter half of 2025. Government officials decided against extending this extraordinary measure into the new year. The new pricing structure was developed in compliance with directives from Panama’s National Authority of Public Services (Panama).
“We are committed to providing clear and timely information to all our users,” an ENSA representative stated. [Translated from Spanish] “The majority of residential consumers will maintain stability in their electricity tariff, provided their consumption remains efficient and within the established limits.”
Legal Ruling Preceded Temporary Subsidy
This additional FET subsidy was originally implemented as a direct response to a judicial order. In October 2024, the Supreme Court of Justice of Panama suspended a previously approved tariff adjustment. That suspension forced ENSA to charge rates it described as outdated for a period of time.
Company officials argued the old rates did not reflect current operational costs. They warned the situation created a financial gap that threatened the entire system’s sustainability. The temporary subsidy helped bridge that gap for six months while preventing immediate bill shocks for consumers. Its scheduled expiration now allows for the implementation of the updated, court-reviewed tariff structure.
ENSA is now urging all customers to adopt efficient energy habits. Conservation is key for those wishing to avoid increases and retain subsidy benefits. The company specifically cautioned users whose consumption nears the 300 kWh monthly threshold. Exceeding that limit moves a household into a different rate category without the ordinary FET protection.
“The stability of the service and our future investment capacity depend on a balanced tariff model,” the ENSA representative added. [Translated from Spanish] “We encourage responsible consumption, which is the most effective tool for managing the home electricity budget.”
Focus on Customer Communication and System Sustainability
With 548,535 active client accounts, ENSA’s operational decisions impact a significant portion of Panama’s population. Eighty-one percent of its customers are located within Panama Province. The metropolitan area of Panama City alone accounts for 57 percent of the capital’s clients.
The distributor emphasized its focus on transparency and service improvement alongside the tariff changes. It directed customers to multiple channels for personalized information and support. These include the EVA mobile application, official WhatsApp lines, social media profiles, toll-free phone numbers, and in-person service centers.
The incoming Electricity tariff framework aims to balance consumer protection with the financial health of the grid. ENSA maintains that the new rates are necessary to fund ongoing network upgrades and ensure reliable long-term service. The first bills under the 2026 schedule will be issued in February, reflecting January’s consumption.
Analysts view this structured approach as an attempt to normalize Panama’s energy pricing after a period of judicial and regulatory intervention. The coming months will show how effectively the model supports both households and infrastructure needs. For now, the message to most residential users is one of continued cost stability, contingent on their own consumption patterns.