The National Consumer Service (Sernac) has initiated processes to seek compensation for power outages. The companies being targeted now include Saesa, Frontel, Chilquinta, and CGE.
While the agency has already reached out to the latter company regarding the power outages affecting the Metropolitan region, these recent efforts aim to address the service interruptions in the regions of Valparaíso, O’Higgins, Maule, Ñuble, Bío Bío, and La Araucanía.
The specifics of these Collective Voluntary Procedures (CVP) remain consistent with previous days: the goal is for the companies to present compensatory proposals as soon as possible, benefiting all individuals impacted by the extended power outages.
Similar to the situations in the capital, it is anticipated that not only monetary reparations will be provided for the service not rendered, but there will also be compensation for lost food, medications, and/or appliances.
Sernac calls on companies for compensation due to power outages in regions
The national director of Sernac, Andrés Herrera, stressed that, if there is no willingness to engage in the process (CGE has yet to address the PVC regarding the costs incurred in the Metropolitan region), class action lawsuits will be filed in collaboration with affected municipalities and residents.
Since the last frontal system began, which impacted over a million people across the country, Sernac has initiated compensatory procedures involving Enel and CGE, as well as VTR concerning interruptions in internet, telephone, and television services.
Regarding the electric companies, only Enel has responded positively and confirmed its participation in the process.
Furthermore, last Friday, both the National Consumer Service and the mayors from the southern area of Santiago expressed a firmer stance towards CGE, indicating that should the company fail to engage in the process, they will pursue class actions.
Ultimately, this company, along with Saesa, Chilquinta, and Frontel, confirmed that they will proceed with the mandatory compensations mandated by the General Law of Basic Services, in addition to addressing losses related to food, medications, and household appliances.
The Processes Opened by the National Consumer Service (Sernac) for Power Cut Compensation
Recently, the National Consumer Service (Sernac) has initiated collective procedures aimed at securing compensation for individuals affected by power outages. The focus is on clients of Saesa, Frontel, Chilquinta, and CGE, with these procedures arising in response to widespread service disruptions.
While Sernac has already reached out to CGE to address the power outages affecting the Metropolitan region, the newly launched efforts target service disruptions in additional regions such as Valparaíso, O’Higgins, Maule, Ñuble, Bío Bío, and La Araucanía.
Collective Voluntary Procedures (CVP) Explained
The objective of these Collective Voluntary Procedures is clear: to prompt the involved companies to present compensatory proposals as soon as possible, benefiting all individuals impacted by the recent, extended power outages. Following prior trends, it is anticipated that these reparations will not only encompass financial compensation for service not provided but will also extend to cover losses like food, medicines, and household appliances.
Sernac’s Call for Accountability and Compensation
The national director of Sernac, Andrés Herrera, has made it clear that should these companies refuse to engage with the proposed compensation process (as seen with CGE, which has yet to respond to ongoing issues in the Metropolitan area), Sernac will proceed to file class action lawsuits. These lawsuits would be filed in collaboration with affected municipalities and residents, reinforcing the seriousness with which Sernac is pursuing accountability for these service disruptions.
Impact of the Recent Weather System
The recent frontal weather system that affected over one million people across the nation has led Sernac to engage in compensatory procedures not only with electric companies like Enel and CGE but also with service providers like VTR for interruptions in internet, telephone, and television services. However, it is notable that only Enel has responded positively so far and confirmed participation in the compensation effort.
Potential Legal Action Against Non-Compliant Companies
On Friday, a unified statement was made by both Sernac and mayors from the southern region of Santiago, increasing the pressure on CGE to take action. They have indicated that if CGE does not commit to participating in the compensation process, they will move forward with filing class actions against the company. Meanwhile, CGE, along with other utilities like Saesa, Chilquinta, and Frontel, have acknowledged a commitment to advance necessary compensations, complying with the provisions of the General Law of Basic Services.
What Compensation Can Consumers Expect?
The compensation process aims to address both standard reparations as per legal expectations and specific losses incurred due to service failures. Here’s a quick breakdown of anticipated compensation elements:
- Monetary Compensation: Customers will receive reimbursement for the power outages experienced.
- Compensation for Lost Items: Reimbursements will be available for lost food, medicines, and household appliances due to the service interruption.
- Future Service Improvements: Companies are being pressured to not only adequately compensate but also enhance their services to minimize future disruptions.
Benefits of Pursuing Compensation
Pursuing compensation for power outages has several benefits for consumers, including:
- Financial Relief: Direct compensation can alleviate the economic burden caused by the outages.
- Consumer Awareness: Engaging in these procedures raises awareness about consumer rights and company responsibilities.
- Encouraging Accountability: Companies are held accountable for service failures, leading to improvements in infrastructure and service delivery.
Practical Tips for Affected Consumers
If you are among those affected by recent power outages, here are some practical steps to follow to ensure you receive your due compensation:
- Document everything: Keep a record of all outages, including dates, duration, and any impacts observed, such as spoiled food or damaged appliances.
- Communicate with your utility provider: Contact your electric company to report the outage and assert your right to compensation.
- Stay informed: Regularly check updates from Sernac and your utility company regarding compensation procedures.
- Collective Action: Consider joining local community efforts to file class action lawsuits if needed, as this can strengthen your case.
Case Studies: Successful Compensation Claims
Case Study: Enel’s Customer Compensation
In a recent instance, Enel successfully processed compensation claims for customers impacted by service interruptions during a severe weather event. The company developed a streamlined process that allowed customers to report losses easily through their website and receive compensatory funds within weeks. This proactive approach has set a positive precedent for other companies to follow.
Case Study: Customer Advocacy in Santiago
In another case, residents from Santiago collectively approached Sernac regarding persistent outages that had led to significant food spoilage. Their organized effort resulted in a successful legal negotiation with their utility provider, where the company offered not just monetary compensation but also community support in the form of grants for local services affected by the power cuts.
First-Hand Experience: Customer Testimonial
Maria L., Valparaíso
“During the last power outage here in Valparaíso, I lost a lot of food because it was off for over 12 hours. I reached out to Sernac and filed a complaint with my power company. I was surprised by the urgency with which they responded, offering compensation for my lost items, plus additional funds for the inconvenience. It felt good to have my voice heard, and it made the situation a bit easier to cope with.”
Conclusion
Overall, the processes initiated by Sernac in response to power outages reflect a significant step toward consumer protection and accountability among utility providers. By remaining informed and proactive, consumers can ensure they receive fair compensation for disruptions in their service.
