GlobalPetrolPrices (GPP) data for December 2024 confirms that Colombia is positioned at around USD 0.21/kWh, in the mid-to-high range within Latin America.
Guatemala and Honduras have high prices, associated with a heavy dependence on imported fossil fuels.
Puerto Rico's electricity consumption is between 22 and 25 cents per kWh, according to the EIA, making it among the most expensive due to its dependence on oil and petroleum products.
Paraguay and Ecuador are among the lowest due to their high hydropower share; however, Ecuador faced drought-related shortages in 2023–2024.
Cuba and Venezuela have very low nominal values (0.006 USD/kWh and 0 USD/kWh in GPP), but both countries suffer from frequent blackouts and rationing.
In Cuba, the government modified residential rates in 2024, although subsidies remain in place that limit the system's financial sustainability.
In Venezuela, press reports documented nationwide blackouts throughout 2024, reflecting the deterioration of the electrical infrastructure.
Extremely low prices often result from state subsidies and administered exchange rates, which create distortions in international comparisons.
Experts emphasize that a low-cost kWh tariff can be costly in practice if it forces users to invest in power plants or batteries due to a lack of continuity.
In contrast, Colombia combines hydroelectric, thermal, and renewable generation, and its final cost includes grid charges, taxes, and cross-subsidies.
The region's dependence on hydrology makes it vulnerable to drought, which affects both prices and service availability.
Given these data, the ironic question "do we have to ask Venezuela and Cuba for assistance?" highlights that, although their rates are minimal, the precariousness of their electricity service shows that they are not replicable models for ensuring reliable and sustainable access.