The Asociación de Restaurantes de Puerto Rico (ASORE) warned today about the potential impact of a possible increase in electricity rates on restaurants, an industry already facing increases in various operational costs. ASORE President Navarro stated that the potential adjustment in electricity rates could represent an additional 25% to 30% increase in energy costs compared to the same period last year, adding pressure to businesses operating with limited margins.
Navarro explained that for restaurants, the impact could be considerably greater because electricity is not a discretionary expense, but rather essential for maintaining operations, including refrigeration, kitchen equipment, lighting, and other systems. According to Navarro, some establishments could see an increase of up to $1,000 in their monthly electricity bills. Navarro acknowledged the complexity of the energy system and the various factors affecting electricity costs, but noted that the potential increase comes at a particularly difficult time for restaurants, which are also facing increases in other essential expenses, such as diesel, gas, water, and rent.
Restaurants face the challenge of maintaining operations without automatically passing on all the increases to consumers.