Tariff Methodology for Water Supply, Sewerage and Fire Hydrant Services (MTAAH)Metodología tarifaria para los servicios de acueducto, alcantarillado e hidrantes (MTAAH)

7593, defines a public service, as "that which, due to its importance for the sustainable development of the country, is qualified as such by the Legislative Assembly, for the purpose of subjecting it to the regulations of this law." Likewise, subsection b) defines cost-of-service as the: "Principle that determines the way of setting the tariffs and prices of public services, in such a way that only the costs necessary to provide the service are contemplated, which allow a competitive return and guarantee the adequate development of the activity, in accordance with what is established in article 31."

7593, establishes as fundamental objectives of Aresep, among others: "c) Ensure that public services are provided in accordance with what is established in subsection b) of article 3 of this law" and "f) Exercise, in accordance with the provisions of this law, the regulation of public services." For its part, Law No. 7593, in article 5, subparagraph c) granted the Regulatory Authority sufficient powers to exercise the regulation of the public services provided in the country, including the service of "Supply of the aqueduct and sewerage service, including potable water, the collection, treatment, and evacuation of black water, residual water, and stormwater, as well as the installation, operation, and maintenance of the hydrant service".

7593, establishes as an obligation of the Regulatory Authority "to set the tariffs and prices in accordance with technical studies," in relation to the provisions of numerals 3.b), 6.a) and f), 20, 31 to 37 of the same legal body, through which the parameters, criteria, and central elements for setting tariffs are established in accordance with the cost-of-service principle, an obligation reiterated via regulation, in article 4, subsection a) point 2) of the Regulation to the Law Regulating Public Services, Executive Decree No. 29732-MP, which establishes among the functions of Aresep:

"(.) 2. Set the prices, tariffs, and rates of the public services regulated by law, observing the principle of cost-of-service, as established in article 31 of the law, and subject to the criteria of social equity, environmental sustainability, energy conservation, and economic efficiency, defined in the National Development Plan, as well as in pursuit of the financial equilibrium of the company or entity providing the service (.)." It is extracted from the above that the Regulatory Authority of Public Services, in accordance with its Law of creation, Law No. 7593, must regulate and supervise the providers of public services from a financial, accounting, and technical perspective. Therefore, it is responsible for both setting prices and verifying compliance with norms of quality, quantity, reliability, continuity, timeliness, and optimal provision.

This function of supervising and monitoring the regulation that Aresep carries out over public services is fundamental. Therefore, article 6, subsection a) of Law No. 7593 endows it with the competence to regulate and supervise providers of public services in accounting, financial, and technical terms, and may even, in accordance with article 24 of its Law, request the regulated entities to supply the necessary information related to the provision of the public service they provide.

It follows from the above that the exclusive and excluding powers of the Regulatory Authority for setting the tariffs of public services are established in Law No. 75931, specifically in articles 4, 5, and 6, subsections a), d), and f), as well as in article 59, subsection 1) of the General Law of Public Administration No. 6227 (LGAP).

1 "(.) Article 59.- 1. Competence shall be regulated by law whenever it contains the attribution of powers of imperium.

Regarding the exclusive and excluding function of ARESEP, the Attorney General's Office of the Republic, in opinion C-003-2002 dated January 7, 2002, indicated the following:

"(.) It is the responsibility of ARESEP to set the tariffs: The Regulatory Authority of Public Services was created by the legislator to assume the regulation of certain public services defined by Law No. 7593 of August 9, 1996.

Regulation is a set of legal and extra-legal mechanisms, particularly economic ones, whose purpose is that the major balances of the market are achieved within the framework of the general interest. In opinion No. 250-99 of December 21, 1999, we noted that regulation entails an intervention of public powers in the market and implies continuous control over a specific activity, in order to reconcile the private interests with the general interest, but also an information function for the benefit of the users of public services. This function of imperium should favor the management autonomy of the service and its quality and efficiency.

(.)." The regulation entrusted to the Regulatory Authority (article 5 of Law No. 7593) includes the control of prices or tariffs of the services, which must be the reasonable remuneration for the service, covering its costs and allowing for investment and a reasonable profit.

The function of ARESEP is exclusive and excluding of any intervention regarding the services enumerated in article 5 cited above. Which means that no other body, public or private, may intervene in the setting of the said tariffs. The tariff is the price, unilaterally defined by the regulatory Entity, that remunerates the provision of the public service by the users. A remuneration that must respond to the financing of the service, therefore, to the principle of financial equilibrium. For said setting, the Authority must take into account what is established in article 29 of its Law of creation:

"The Regulatory Authority shall formulate the definitions, requirements, and conditions to which the procedures for tariffs, prices, and rates of public services shall be subject, which shall be promulgated by the Executive Branch, by means of a regulation." The Authority not only sets the specific tariff for the public service and, therefore, the compensation that the provider will receive from the users of the service, but it also defines the elements that, in accordance with the law, it will consider for setting the tariffs. It has a normative power over its own competence, which allows it to impose on the service concessionaires the rules they must follow for tariff setting or, where appropriate, for tariff adjustment (.)". The underlining does not belong to the original.

In this way, the exclusive powers and competencies of the Regulatory Authority in matters of tariff setting for public services have been expressly recognized as a fundamental element in the exercise of its functions, which guarantee compliance with the objectives established in Law No. 7593 and the balance between the needs of the users and the providers of those services.

7593, provides that: "The Regulatory Authority shall formulate and promulgate the definitions, requirements, and conditions to which the procedures for tariffs and prices of public services shall be subject." For its part, article 36, subsection d) of Law No. 7593, provides for the public hearing procedure, which must be followed in "The formulation or revision of the models for setting prices and tariffs, in accordance with article 31 of this Law," in which persons with legitimate interest may participate to express their views. Said numeral is regulated in articles 44 to 56 of Decree No. 29732-MP, in relation to numeral 9 of the Political Constitution, as a manifestation of the constitutional right to citizen participation, which has been expressed by the Constitutional Chamber in judgment No. 7213-2012, by establishing the obligation of Aresep, to guarantee citizen participation in the formulation of tariff methodologies (in the same sense, one may consult rulings of the Constitutional Chamber No. 2009-016649 and No. 2008-17093, among others).

For purposes of standing by collective interest, legal persons organized under the associative form and whose purpose is the defense of the rights of consumers or users, may register before the Regulatory Authority to act in defense of them, as an opposing party, as long as the processing of the tariff petition is related to its purpose. Likewise, community development associations or other social organizations whose purpose is the defense of the legitimate rights and interests of their members shall have standing, in accordance with article 36 of Law No. 7593.

Regarding administrative discretion, the Attorney General's Office of the Republic has stated and indicated that this exists for administrative heads within a determined legal framework. This implies that, in a discretionary, non-arbitrary manner, and in accordance with the law, this regulatory entity is capable of evaluating the possibilities that the Law grants it, and of choosing the most reasonable and proportionate option regarding the proceeding being developed before its competence. In this regard, articles 15 and 16 of the LGAP establish:

"(.) Article 15- 1. Discretion may occur even due to the absence of law in the specific case, but it shall be subject in all cases to the limits imposed by the legal system expressly or implicitly, so that its exercise is efficient and reasonable. 2. The Judge shall exercise legality control over the regulated aspects of the discretionary act and over the observance of its limits. Article 16-1. In no case may acts be issued contrary to unequivocal rules of science or technique, or to elementary principles of justice, logic, and convenience (.)".

With respect to the context in which discretion must operate, jurisprudence has been reiterative in the following criteria:

"(...) Every administrative act is the result of the exercise of a power. In the case of acts resulting from the exercise of a discretionary power, these are composed of legally determined elements and others configured by the subjective appreciation of the executing Administration. Discretion is essentially the freedom of choice that the Administration has, to choose from a plurality of alternatives, all equally just, according to its own initiative, because the concrete solution is not contained within the norm. This freedom of the Administration is not arbitrary, its existence is founded in the Law and its exercise is delimited therein. (...) In this sense we find that articles 15, 16, 17, 160 and 216, subsection 1), of the General Law of Public Administration provide that discretion is subject to the limits that the legal system itself imposes, as well as to the rules of logic, science or technique, and to the general principles of Law, among which stand out the elementary principles of justice, convenience and reasonableness (...)". Ruling of the First Chamber of the Supreme Court of Justice No. 19, of 2:40 p.m. on April 2, 1997 (.).// As a general principle of Law, contained in article 16 of the General Law of Public Administration, in no case may acts be issued contrary to unequivocal rules of science or technology, or to elementary principles of justice, logic or convenience, concepts that are summarized in reasonableness and proportionality as parameters of constitutionality (...)." (Ruling of the Constitutional Chamber, No. 5990-94 of 9:09 a.m. on October 14, 199). The underlining does not belong to the original.

In this way, the Intendencia de Agua is competent to technically analyze the origin of an ex officio tariff adjustment for public services related to the water sector, since these fall within its competence. This, clearly, must be done in compliance with the tariff procedure regulated in Law No. 7593 and its respective regulation.

In accordance with the foregoing, it is worth noting that article 6, subsection 16 of the RIOF, establishes that the Board of Directors of Aresep has the function of approving the regulatory methodologies that will be applied in the various regulated sectors under its competence. Said regulation was published in La Gaceta No. 105, of June 3, 2013, in Alcance No. 101.

In this way, the Board of Directors of the Regulatory Authority of Public Services is competent to issue the tariff methodologies for public services, for which it must follow the public hearing procedure that guarantees citizen participation, and for the issuance of these, it must observe the cost-of-service principle, the rules of science and technique, and the general provisions referenced, related to the water sector.

Thus, it is clear that the Board of Directors of Aresep is the competent body to formulate the tariff methodologies for regulated public services, including the supply of the aqueduct and sewerage service, including potable water, the collection, treatment and evacuation of black water, residual water and stormwater, as well as the installation, operation and maintenance of the hydrant service, and also the aqueduct service provided by the ASADAS, for which it must follow the public hearing procedure, provided for in article 36 of Law No. 7593, the legal framework cited above as a whole being what provides the basis that empowers Aresep to define the proposal for the regulatory methodology that is the subject of this report.

For its part, article 21 of the RIOF establishes that the Center for Regulatory Development (CDR) is responsible for the institutional process of research and development of regulation, therefore, it has competencies in matters of research and studies, as well as in matters of drafting and discussing regulations. In that sense, defining and establishing the tariff methodologies or models that will determine the tariffs of public services subject to its regulation is comprised within the tariff competence conferred on Aresep.

In this line of analysis, the Attorney General's Office of the Republic (PGR), as the consultative legal-technical body of the Public Administration, in reiterated pronouncements has affirmed that the definition of methodologies or tariff models is comprised within the exclusive and excluding competence of Aresep to set tariffs. In this regard, see opinion C-416-2014, which cites: "c) The definition of tariff methodologies or models is comprised within the exclusive and excluding competence of ARESEP to set tariffs, without it being obliged to coordinate with other entities or bodies." This same position has been reiterated by the PGR in opinion C-023-2017, by establishing that Aresep, "is the competent entity to establish the tariff methodologies or models that will determine the tariffs of public services subject to its regulation." Furthermore, it must be stated that the establishment of tariff methodologies and criteria by Aresep is clearly framed within the technical discretion that has been recognized to this regulatory entity, as long as the principle of cost-of-service is respected. The foregoing is consistent with articles 15, 16, 1604, 2165 of the General Law of Public Administration. In this regard, the First Chamber, in ruling 001687-F-S1-2012, has recognized this discretion of Aresep, in the establishment of methodologies, by stating:

2 "(.) Article 15.- 1. Discretion may occur even due to the absence of law in the specific case, but it shall be subject in all cases to the limits imposed by the legal system expressly or implicitly, so that its exercise is efficient and reasonable. 2. The Judge shall exercise legality control over the regulated aspects of the discretionary act and over the observance of its limits. (.)".

3 "(.) Article 16.- 1. In no case may acts be issued contrary to unequivocal rules of science or technique, or to elementary principles of justice, logic or convenience. 2. The Judge may control the conformity with these non-juridical rules of the discretionary elements of the act, as if exercising legality control. (.)".

4 "(.) Article 160.- The discretionary act shall be invalid, also, when it violates elementary rules of logic, justice or convenience, as indicated by the circumstances of each case. (.)".

5 "(.) Article 216.- 1. The Administration must adopt its resolutions within the procedure with strict adherence to the legal system and, in the case of discretionary actions, to the limits of rationality and reasonableness implicit therein. 2. The administrative body must act, furthermore, subject to the orders, circulars, and instructions of the hierarchical superior, within the limits of this Law. (.)".

"(.) There is no doubt that ARESEP can determine the models for evaluating tariff requests, based on the model productive structures for each public service, according to the development of knowledge, technology, the possibilities of the service, the activity in question, and the size of the providing companies (parameters of the principle of cost-of-service). For this, Law No. 7593 grants it a fairly broad framework of action (cardinals 6, subsection d) and 29 to 37). However, it must be remembered that discretion is for choosing, in a first stage, between one or several technical methods that will be applied in a second moment after their formalization (in the procedure itself) (.)." As such, in application of the principle of legality (articles 116 of the LGAP and 117 of the Political Constitution), tariffs must be established in accordance with the mechanisms duly established for that purpose, through the procedure contained in Law No. 7593 and its regulation, the setting of the prices and tariffs of said public services by Aresep, as well as the establishment of the methodologies or tariff models that will determine them, as provided in Law No. 7593, the Regulation to the Law Regulating Public Services, No. 29732-MP, and the RIOF.

6 "(.) Article 11.- 1. The Public Administration shall act subject to the legal system and may only carry out those acts or provide those public services that said system authorizes, according to the hierarchical scale of its sources. 2. The act shall be considered authorized if expressly regulated by written norm, at least as to motive or content, even if in an imprecise manner. (.)." 7 "(.) Article 11.- Public officials are mere depositaries of authority. They are obliged to fulfill the duties that the law imposes on them and cannot arrogate powers not granted to them therein. They must take an oath to observe and comply with this Constitution and the laws. The action to demand criminal responsibility from them for their acts is public. The Public Administration in a broad sense shall be subject to a procedure of results evaluation and accountability, with the consequent personal responsibility for the officials in the fulfillment of their duties. The law shall indicate the means for this control of results and accountability to operate as a system that covers all public institutions.

(.)." The foregoing is in concordance with the provisions of article 53, subsection n) of Law No. 7593, which attributes to the Board of Directors of the Regulatory Authority of Public Services, full power to issue the technical regulations required for the correct application of the regulatory framework for the public services established in Law No. 7593 and their modifications; a legal framework in which the issuance of this regulatory instrument is supported.

3.2. Regarding the regulation of the supply service of aqueduct, sanitary sewerage, and hydrants in Costa Rica Water resources are regulated in Costa Rican legislation starting from the Political Constitution. Its article 21 establishes that "Human life is inviolable," and this fundamental right to life is linked to the right to health, and with it, access to potable water derives as a guarantee of those rights.

In this way, access to potable water ensures the rights to life, to the health of persons -indispensable for their food, drink, and hygiene- (article 21 of the Political Constitution) and, of course, is associated with the development and socioeconomic growth of communities to ensure well-being and a decent quality of life for each individual (article 33 of the Political Constitution). The foregoing is in accordance with the jurisprudence of our Constitutional Chamber, which has issued binding resolutions recognizing as part of Constitutional Law, the fundamental right to potable water, derived from the fundamental rights to health, life, a healthy environment, food, and decent housing among others (Vote No. 200412263, of October 29, 2004, of the Constitutional Chamber). In a similar sense, see rulings 2007-17475 of November 30, 2007, and 2008-11390, of July 22, 2008.

Recently, with Law No. 9849 of June 5, 2020, a paragraph was added to article 50 of the Magna Carta that recognizes and guarantees the human right to access water:

"(.) Article 50. Every person has the human, basic, and inalienable right of access to potable water, as an essential good for life. Water is a good of the nation, indispensable for protecting such a human right.

Its use, protection, sustainability, conservation, and exploitation shall be governed by what is established in the law that will be created for these purposes, and the supply of potable water for consumption by persons and populations shall have priority (.)".

Based on this recognition of access to water as a Human Right, the obligation of the State to provide basic public services derives, meaning that people cannot be illegitimately deprived of them; for this, providers must progressively achieve, and in accordance with internal legislation, the full effectiveness of this right recognized constitutionally.

Finally, it should be noted that Article 121, subsection 14.a) of this regulatory body establishes that the forces that may be obtained from waters in the public domain within the national territory may not permanently leave State ownership.

3.3. International environment At the international level, regarding the protection of water resources and this as an essential element for human activity, the following provisions exist:

. Resolution A/RES/64/292 of July 28, 2010, issued by the General Assembly of the United Nations:

In July 2010, the General Assembly of the United Nations, for the first time, expressly recognized the human right to water and sanitation and assumed that pure drinking water and sanitation are essential for the realization of all human rights.

The Resolution urges States and international organizations to provide financial resources, to support capacity-building and technology transfer to help countries, particularly developing countries, to supply safe, clean, accessible, and affordable drinking water and sanitation services for all. This resolution states:

"(.) Recognizes that the right to safe drinking water and sanitation is a human right essential for the full enjoyment of life and all human rights; . Calls upon States and international organizations to provide financial resources and to foster capacity-building and technology transfer through international assistance and cooperation, in particular to developing countries, in order to intensify efforts to provide the entire population with economic access to drinking water and sanitation (.)." . Resolution HRC/RES/15/9 of the Human Rights Council:

In September 2010, the Human Rights Council adopted resolution HRC/RES/15/9, following the referenced resolution of the United Nations General Assembly. This UN Human Rights Council resolution affirms that the right to water and sanitation is part of current international law and confirms that this right is legally binding on States.

It also calls upon States to develop appropriate tools and mechanisms to progressively achieve the complete fulfillment of obligations related to safe access to drinking water and sanitation, including in those areas currently unserved or underserved.

On September 25, 2015, a set of global goals aimed at eradicating poverty, protecting the planet, and ensuring prosperity for all was adopted as part of a new sustainable development agenda.

This global agreement, corresponding to the approval of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by the member countries of the United Nations, defines the 17 most relevant global goals for human development, which must be achieved by the year 2030. Although the 17 goals are interrelated, the following are those that have a more direct impact on the regulation of public services:

Goal 1: End poverty in all its forms everywhere.

Goal 3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.

Goal 6: Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.

Goal 7: Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.

Goal 9: Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation.

Goal 12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.

Goal 13: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.

Specifically regarding Goal 6, that is, to ensure the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all, the following specific targets to be met by the year 2030 are established:

6.1 Achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.

6.2 Achieve access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all and end open defecation, paying special attention to the needs of women and girls and those in vulnerable situations.

6.3 Improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater and substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally.

6.4 Substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater to address water scarcity and substantially reduce the number of people suffering from water scarcity.

6.5 Implement integrated water resources management at all levels, including through transboundary cooperation as appropriate.

6.6 Protect and restore water-related ecosystems, including mountains, forests, wetlands, rivers, aquifers and lakes.

6.a Expand international cooperation and capacity-building support to developing countries in water- and sanitation-related activities and programmes, including water harvesting, desalination, water efficiency, wastewater treatment, recycling and reuse technologies.

6.b Support and strengthen the participation of local communities in improving water and sanitation management.

The importance of Goal 6 of the SDGs is due to the fact that, despite access to water, sanitation, and hygiene being a human right, billions of people currently continue to face enormous daily difficulties in accessing the most basic services and an adequate provision of water and sanitation services, making it essential to meet the referenced targets to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, including those related to health and gender equality. In this regard, the United Nations has indicated that:

"(.) Raising awareness of these tasks and turning them into concrete measures will produce beneficial results for all and will entail greater sustainability and integrity of human and ecological systems. More than 2 million people die each year from diarrheal diseases worldwide. Lack of hygiene and unsafe water are responsible for almost 90% of these deaths, primarily affecting children. By sustainably managing our water resources, we can also better manage our food and energy production and contribute to decent work and economic growth. Furthermore, we can preserve our water ecosystems and their biological diversity, and take measures to combat climate change (.)." In this way, Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) of the United Nations recognizes that sustainable water management not only includes achieving access to drinking water and adequate sanitation services (targets 6.1 and 6.2) but also implies addressing the matter in a broader context, incorporating issues such as water quality and wastewater management, water scarcity and efficient use of water, water resources management, and the protection and restoration of related ecosystems, aspects that must effectively be considered within the regulatory instruments developed and implemented by Aresep.

3.4. On National Plans and sectoral policies regarding the supply of aqueduct, sanitary sewer, and hydrant services in Costa Rica There are a series of national plans that affect all national activities and, therefore, must be considered in the long-term planning of all public institutions and specifically, regarding Aresep, in the development and implementation of regulatory instruments. Among them, the following can be highlighted:

- Política Nacional de Saneamiento en Aguas Residuales 2016-2045 In 2016, the Política Nacional de Saneamiento en Aguas Residuales 2016-2045 was established, whose approaches are:

- Human right to sanitation.

- Environmental sustainability.

- Economic sustainability.

- Citizen participation.

- Valorization of treated wastewater.

The main objective of this Policy is to achieve, by the year 2045, the safe management of all wastewater generated in Costa Rica, as a guarantee that wastewater does not affect the environment or health, implementing individual or collective treatment systems so that the Costa Rican population has a safer, healthier, and more sustainable environment.

A diagnosis of the state of sanitation in the country is included, problems are determined, and solutions are provided to solve them, such as the generation of new infrastructure, the search for financial sustainability of services, citizen participation, the strengthening of institutions and standards for integrated resource management.

The specific objectives of this Policy are:

-Achieve the articulation of the sanitation and wastewater treatment sector in accordance with the regulatory review and with the coordination and strengthening of institutions.

-Strengthen the management of ordinary and special wastewater sanitation through the use of current instruments and the creation of new ones, if required.

-Improve coverage in sewerage and wastewater treatment through the planning, prioritization, and execution of safe physical infrastructure with universal design.

-Improve the financial sustainability of the sanitation sector, through a comprehensive financing model, with socially-focused and permanent participation.

-Encourage citizen participation with knowledge and information for the development of a national structure that promotes the adequate sanitary management of wastewater.

- Política Nacional de Agua Potable (2017-2030, PNAP) On January 26, 2018, the Política Nacional de Agua Potable (2017-2030, PNAP) was launched, whose objective is:

"(.) To seek access to drinking water through the protection of water resources, and the strengthening of the capacities of actors related to service provision, to contribute to the health, well-being, and development of the country (.)." This Policy is based on the following approaches:

- Human Right to Drinking Water.

- Sustainable Development and Environmental Sustainability.

- Gender Equality and Equity.

- Financial and Economic Sustainability.

- Citizen Participation.

It has four axes: the promotion of a new water culture, investment in infrastructure and service, drinking water governance, and environmental management.

The new water culture aims to promote knowledge and attitudes among the population regarding the adequate management of water resources. For its part, the infrastructure axis seeks to modernize facilities and invest in resilient infrastructure (with preventive and response capacity to adverse events).

Drinking water governance aims to improve social management and citizen participation, strengthen institutional capacities, and promote public-community and public-private alliances to enable services where required. Finally, the environmental management axis promotes planning, monitoring of hydrographic basins and aquifers, as well as risk management for disaster reduction.

3.5. On the regulatory policies of Aresep for public service Resolution RE-0231-JD-2020, "Política Regulatoria sobre el Acceso al Agua Potable y Saneamiento de Aguas Residuales".

On September 22, 2020, through resolution RE-0231-JD-2020, the Board of Directors of Aresep approved the "Política Regulatoria sobre el Acceso al Agua Potable y Saneamiento de Aguas Residuales", through which institutional policy objectives were established in regulatory matters of access to drinking water and wastewater sanitation, in order to contribute through - Política Nacional de Agua Potable (2017-2030, PNAP) regulatory instruments, to strengthen the National Policy for access to water, not only by ensuring the supply of drinking water under conditions of quality, reliability, continuity, timeliness, and optimal provision, but also through the treatment and disposal of wastewater (which includes sewage and stormwater); so as to have a circular and comprehensive vision of this supply, considering all the technical, economic, social, and environmental aspects of the water cycle.

It should be noted that the foregoing is in accordance with the provisions of Article 53 subsection a) which provides as one of the main duties and powers of the Board of Directors of Aresep "To define the policy and programs of the Regulatory Authority, in accordance with the principles and objectives of this Law". Thus, the aforementioned regulatory policy regarding access to drinking water and wastewater sanitation constitutes a valid and effective tool to contribute to the fulfillment of the National Policies of the water sector and the fulfillment of the respective recently approved constitutional mandate.

This regulatory instrument seeks to fulfill, among others, the following objectives of the regulatory policy contained in resolution RE-0231-JD-2020:

- Develop regulatory instruments to ensure economic accessibility:

Seek to design the tariff system considering a progressive payment regime, ensuring access to drinking water for consumers with fewer economic resources, in such a way that the dimensioning of the necessary networks favors in their construction layout those consumers with greater needs to maintain their health.

- Support access to financing for necessary investments:

Support access to optimal financing for investments in aqueducts and sewerage to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of investments.

Resolution RE-0206-JD-2021, "Política Regulatoria de la Autoridad Reguladora de los Servicios Públicos" On October 5, 2021, through resolution RE-0206-JD-2021, the Board of Directors of Aresep approved the "Política Regulatoria de la Autoridad Reguladora de los Servicios Públicos", through which a guiding framework was established for the actions to be developed by Aresep aimed at achieving public value.

The principles of quality, services at cost, participation, equity, inclusiveness, sustainability, universality, transparency, and efficiency are the guiding principles of this Regulatory Policy, which delineate essential properties for achieving the expected results.

The independence of actions and decisions strengthening the procedural, technical, and legal framework that allows decision-making adhering to legality and consistent with the public interest; objectivity and impartiality on regulatory decisions balancing the needs of users and providers to guarantee efficiency, effectiveness, quality, equity, cost, and environmental sustainability; the constant improvement of institutional management, following best practices and the pursuit of knowledge frontiers for the development of regulation adapted and timely to the context, following effective and efficient mechanisms valuing different regulatory approaches such as comparative regulation, seeking the achievement of public value from regulation; social dialogue and participation with different types of actors from the understanding of their multiple particularities to generate clear mechanisms of communication, interaction, and information about institutional functions and actions; the recognition of the individual and universal rights of each person to access essential public services, protecting and ensuring human development and the integrity of each person; gender equality between men and women regarding access to and enjoyment of regulated public services and the identification of the particularities and needs of each territory at the national level in relation to regulated public services, are the 7 different approaches that this Regulatory Policy has.

This Regulatory Policy also defines the pillars that will guide the regulatory actions that the Autoridad Reguladora de los Servicios Públicos must undertake in the coming years.

Rights-based regulation as the first pillar advocates for the recognition of the diversity of users of regulated public services, with their respective characteristics, conditions, and needs immersed in population groups framed within territories, gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and among other particularities.

For its part, regulation for the quality of public services, as the second pillar, refers to quality being the conformity of the properties or characteristics of the goods and services that make up the content of the public service in question, with ethical, legal, economic, sociocultural, and technical parameters, both objective and subjective, previously established, to satisfy the intended purpose. From the objective legal point of view, among the quality parameters are the principles of public service that must be fully complied with, as well as the mandatory submission of the provider to technical regulation and the voluntary acceptance of applicable technical standardization; and, from the subjective point of view, a process of continuous improvement of user satisfaction.

The Regulatory Authority will ensure that public services are provided efficiently and effectively, seeking that regulation is capable of adapting in a timely manner to changes in the environment and to force majeure events. Regulation will seek the affordability of public services for the population and will contribute to the country's competitiveness. That is, regulation that promotes efficiency constitutes the third pillar of the Regulatory Policy.

Regulation with purpose as the fourth pillar of this Regulatory Policy refers to the fact that the regulation of public services is a complex process that must constantly confirm its public value for society. The complexity of this task deepens within the framework of a reality in constant evolution driven by technological advances, the needs of the population, and the service provision models for public services, so, to maintain its public value, regulation must therefore consider these changes and adapt to maintain its relevance and proactively contribute to achieving the social and economic objectives under its responsibility.

Regulation committed to sustainable development, as the fifth pillar of this Regulatory Policy, seeks regulation that promotes sustainable development, understood as development capable of satisfying current needs without compromising the resources and possibilities of future generations. The concept integrates the social, environmental, and economic dimensions.

In the social sphere, it requires the development of people, communities, and cultures within a framework of adequate and equitable quality of life, health, and education. In the economic dimension, it seeks to promote equitable economic growth that does not compromise the environment.

On the environmental plane, it requires environmental protection, the conservation of natural resources, and their use in a way that does not compromise the environmental solvency of future generations. For this, efforts will be made to combat climate change through actions that promote decarbonization and energy transition towards renewable sources.

4. JUSTIFICATION Water services are vital for the general well-being of society and strategic for national development. Access to water services constitutes a fundamental human right protected by the Political Constitution and by different regulatory bodies and international human rights instruments, which is why it is a national priority.

On this particular matter, it should be noted that the United Nations General Assembly, in its Resolution A/64/l.63/Rev.1 of July 26, 2010, "Declares the right to safe drinking water and sanitation as a human right essential for the full enjoyment of life and all human rights".

In the same vein, the Human Rights Council reaffirms that the human right to safe drinking water and sanitation is derived from the right to an adequate standard of living and is inextricably linked to the right to the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health, as well as the right to life and human dignity.

For its part, the Political Constitution, in its Article 50, enunciates the right to a healthy and ecologically balanced environment, which is achieved, among other factors, through the protection and conservation of the quality and quantity of water for human consumption and use to maintain the ecological balance of the biosphere as the common heritage of humanity. Recently, to this article, the express recognition of the fundamental and inalienable human right of access to drinking water and its sanitation was added, as well as its condition as a public domain good, through Law N°9849 of June 5, 2020.

In this way, access to drinking water ensures the rights to life, to the health of people - indispensable for their food, drink, and hygiene - (Article 21 of the Political Constitution) and, of course, is associated with the socioeconomic development and growth of countries to ensure each individual a dignified well-being and quality of life (Article 33 of the Political Constitution and 11 of the Additional Protocol to the American Convention on Human Rights). The foregoing in accordance with the jurisprudence of the Constitutional Chamber which has issued binding rulings recognizing as part of Constitutional Law, the fundamental right to drinking water, derived from the fundamental rights to health, life, a healthy environment, food, and decent housing among others (Voto N.º 200412263, of October 29, 2004, of the Constitutional Chamber).

In addition to the above, it should be noted that Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) of the United Nations recognizes that sustainable water management not only includes achieving access to drinking water and adequate sanitation services (targets 6.1 and 6.2) but also implies addressing the matter in a broader context, incorporating issues such as water quality and wastewater management, water scarcity and efficient use of water, water resources management, and the protection and restoration of related ecosystems.

Finally, it is not omitted to indicate that, through resolution RE-0231-JD-2020 of September 22, 2020, the Board of Directors of Aresep approved the "Política Regulatoria sobre el Acceso al Agua Potable y Saneamiento de Aguas Residuales", through which institutional policy objectives were established in regulatory matters of access to drinking water and wastewater sanitation in order to contribute through regulatory instruments to strengthen the National Policy for access to water, not only by ensuring the supply of drinking water under conditions of quality, reliability, continuity, timeliness, and optimal provision, but also through the treatment and disposal of wastewater (which includes sewage and stormwater); so as to have a circular and comprehensive vision of this supply, considering all the technical, economic, social, and environmental aspects of the water cycle.

Therefore, this proposal to modify resolution RE-0044-JD-2019 "Tariff methodology for the services of Aqueduct, Sewerage and Hydrants (MTAAH)", published in scope N° 59 to La Gaceta of March 18, 2019, will allow, through an improved regulatory instrument, to strengthen the necessary actions to guarantee the effective fulfillment of the objectives of the "Política Regulatoria sobre el Acceso al Agua Potable y Saneamiento de Aguas Residuales", issued by the Board of Directors of Aresep, in response to the recent modification of Article 50 of the Political Constitution.

According to the National Household Survey of 2021, 73% of dwellings are connected to a septic tank, 25% are connected to a sewer or drain.

Meanwhile, 1% discharge service water through a natural water current (pit latrine or other similar system) and 0.28% indicate they have no sanitary service.

From the data of this survey, it is observed that in the Chorotega and Huetar Caribe regions, 100% of sewer connections have sanitation treatment, while in the case of the Brunca region it is nearly 90% and in the Central Pacific region 80%. On the other hand, of the total sewer connections in the Metropolitan Region, only 31% have treatment, and the Central West region 30%. As for ESPH, this represents 22%. The country's situation regarding sanitation is critical.

In the 2030 Agenda, the sustainable development goal SDG 6 is built on the basis of the human rights to water and sanitation (DHAS). The objective invites each and every actor in the sector to review their political priorities and actions to achieve these targets established for 2030 in this global development agenda, which due to the Covid-19 pandemic may possibly see the targets delayed to more distant dates. The UN recognized the rights to water and sanitation for all people in 2010. While this was an important step, there is still a way to go to ensure universal fulfillment of these rights, mainly sanitation, which to date has not had due preponderance. The implementation of the rights-based approach for the sanitation service, with emphasis on reducing inequalities in access through tools, pilot initiatives, and studies that ensure access for the most vulnerable and normally marginalized populations, requires innovative mechanisms for its achievement.

The right to sanitation means that every person must have physical and economic access, in all spheres of life, that is safe, hygienic, socially and culturally acceptable, that provides privacy and ensures dignity. Among the transversal axes of this right are non-discrimination and equality, access to information and transparency, participation, and sustainability of the service to avoid public health and environmental problems such as the contamination of most of the country's rivers that serve as receiving bodies, including our coasts. In the country, all services evolve, except the sanitation service.

Therefore, financing instruments must be sought aimed at achieving universality, sustainability, and affordability of the sanitation service for all of us who are part of the externality.

Next, this section summarizes elements that allow sizing the importance of access to water, sewerage, and hydrant services, the problems faced, and the regulatory challenges posed by the optimal provision of these services.

Importance of water for household well-being.

The supply of drinking water is an essential input for household tasks, given that it is required for activities such as food preparation, personal hygiene, laundry, cleaning, childcare, and care for other persons with disabilities, illness, or the elderly. Carrying out these tasks is fundamental for the common good and the well-being of the members of each family.

According to the National Survey of Income and Expenditures (ENIGH) 2018, household spending on services related to water supply amounted to 1.58% of family expenditure and 1.01% of family income. However, if the division by income deciles is considered, that expenditure represented 2.78% of total expenditure and 5.32% of the family income of households belonging to the first decile (10% of households with the lowest income); while, in the case of the tenth decile (10% of households with the highest income), it represented 0.90% of total expenditure and 0.41% of family income.

In general, the availability of access to drinking water substantially improves the productivity and well-being of families, by enabling the production of essential domestic services. Therefore, it is fundamental to facilitate universal access to water for households, since scarcity, lack of access or availability, as well as contamination of that water resource, limit social development and reduce people's quality of life.

Participation of the productive sector in water consumption.

In turn, water supply is a key input for the development of productive activities and the economic development of the country. As of December 2020, the business rate category represents 12% of water consumption in AyA and 15% of consumption in ESPH.

Challenges established in the Aresep Institutional Strategic Plan.

The Aresep Institutional Strategic Plan (PEI) for the period from 2017 to 2022 establishes:

Defining regulatory instruments with factual support, sensitivity analysis, scenarios, and international comparisons that promote efficiency and innovation in the provision of public services.

Ensuring compliance with the provision of public services at cost, incorporating criteria of quality, costs, social equity, environmental sustainability, and productivity incentives that ensure the development and sustainability of the activities.

This proposed modification to the methodology for calculating rates for the regulated aqueduct and sewerage service is oriented towards the objective of addressing what is established in the PEI, through an improvement of the current regulatory instrument.

Common problems of the main providers.

Unbilled water.

Unbilled water is composed of unbilled consumption, commercial losses, and technical losses. Together, these factors constitute one of the most important challenges for the management of potable water services.

Relationship between labor and capital.

It is important to note the sustained increase in labor costs in recent years, increases that reflect a change in factor intensity. In a network infrastructure industry, such as the aqueduct and sewerage services, intensive capital investment would be expected, representing a higher cost in capital utilization compared to the labor costs used; however, the data show a capital-to-labor ratio (K/L) that has decreased in recent years. For example, for AyA, the ratio of capital cost to labor cost has gone from 1.14 in 2005 to 0.48 in 2015.

Leverage and investment.

The ratio of liabilities to total assets as of December 2013 was close to 10% for AyA and 29% for ESPH, S.A. This indicates that there is room for planned and prudent use of financial leverage, in order to accelerate the investment process and avoid disproportionate short-term rate increases.

Leverage is also a tool to promote greater intergenerational equity, avoiding as much as possible that the rates of current generations unnecessarily subsidize future ones.

Technical and economic sustainability.

The process of planning and executing investments has been insufficient to cover the country's needs, making it necessary to progressively close the gap originating from the investment backlog, both in the rehabilitation or replacement of systems with advanced, expired useful life, or a high degree of deterioration, as well as in the expansion of systems to respond to the needs of adequate service and levels similar to those observed in efficient international providers.

Hydrants.

The efficient and effective execution of the Hydrant Program (PHI) is essential to provide water in a timely and sufficient manner at the locations designated by the Benemérito Cuerpo de Bomberos de Costa Rica, thus contributing to the protection of the lives and property of citizens. The estimation of resources to execute the PHI must originate from a formal planning process based on the binding requirements of said body.

This process must be duly documented, approved by the provider, and must be reported to Aresep in a timely manner. The Regulatory Authority will grant, through the rate, the priority and indispensable resources to cover the operation, investment, and financing actions of this program, according to the applicable legal framework.

Specific justification for the proposed changes.

The work carried out to support this proposal began by identifying improvement opportunities in the sections of total costs and expenses of operation, maintenance, and administration, return for development, rate base, and investments, as well as other considerations that clarify different parts of the rate calculation process, without proposing fundamental changes or changes to the methodological approach that supports the current resolution.

One of the proposed changes is to remove the last paragraph of section 5.3.4 of resolution RE-0044-JD-2019 "Tariff methodology for aqueduct, sewerage, and hydrant services (MTAAH)." This paragraph states the following: "For all services "i", the volume to be billed for the aqueduct service shall be used, except in the case of sewerage, which shall be adjusted by the percentage of actual service coverage (m3 consumed by subscribers who have sewerage service, divided by the total m3 billed by the company)." The exclusion of this paragraph is proposed based on the following arguments:

• a)The estimation of the volume of cubic meters (m3) to be used in the calculation of rates for all services "i" shall be carried out based on a demand analysis using the techniques that Aresep considers appropriate, provided that such techniques are justified and comply with the statistical and econometric criteria established based on science, technique, and logic; as established in article 16 of the Ley General de la Administración Pública.
• b)The specification made for the calculation of m3 for the sewerage service is eliminated from the current methodology; therefore, the selection of the mechanism deemed most appropriate to estimate said volume is left to the technical judgment of the Intendencia de Agua. In each rate study, this estimate must be justified, duly motivated, and traceable.

In summary, the main proposed changes and their due justification are as follows:

| TOPIC 1 Projection of salary expenditure (remunerations) | | --- | | RE-0044-JD-2019. | | This expenditure must be projected, for which the base data starts from the last data of period "t-1", coming from the regulatory accounting, and is projected based on the expected annual inflation from the BCCR Macroeconomic Program to obtain the data for the next 5 years; finally, new justified additions approved by the IA are included. | | PROPOSAL. | | The minimum wage decree or the salary policy provided by the provider is used as a reference; the instrument used as a reference must be provided by the provider. Both the salary policy and the calculations derived from the use of these instruments must be justified technically, legally, and financially. | | JUSTIFICATION. | | It is a modification that improves the way salary projections are made. In principle, salary adjustments lag behind inflation adjustments, so the proposal aims to prevent automatic indexation of this item. | | TOPIC 2 Components of the COMA cost | | --- | | RE-0044-JD-2019. | | The formula indicated in said resolution is the following: | | PROPOSAL. | | Greater detail is included for the cost components that form part of the COMA, for example: "EPIiet = Costs and expenses for project pre-investment studies..."; "PAiet = Expenses for amortizable items..."; "Gper= Expense for loss on asset retirements...". Additionally, the component "OGiet = Other costs or expenses incurred by operators, necessary to provide the service. Includes any cost associated with the provision of the service that is not included in the accounts described previously in the formula variables" is eliminated. | | JUSTIFICATION. | | It is a reformulation of cost items. Cost components that are already considered in the current tariff methodology are made explicit, but they were presented in an aggregated and implicit manner. | | TOPIC 3 Projections with inflation | | --- | | RE-0044-JD-2019. | | The specification indicates: ".it must be projected . based on the expected annual inflation of the BCCR Macroeconomic Program." | | PROPOSAL. | | ". For the projections of local monthly indices, the inflation target at its minimum value of the tolerance range, published by the Banco Central de Costa Rica in its Macroeconomic Program (latest available update), shall be used." | | JUSTIFICATION. | | It implies a textual change in the reference variable. It corresponds to the formalization of the variable normally used in tariff fixations. | | TOPIC 4 Formalization of index-based updating | | --- | | RE-0044-JD-2019. | | It is not found formalized | | PROPOSAL. | | The method for projecting costs and expenses by means of indices is formalized, with the definition of the local updating index, external updating index, and composite updating index for the projections of total costs and expenses of operation, maintenance, and administration. | | JUSTIFICATION. | | It corresponds to the formalization of a process that is currently carried out in tariff fixations but was not explicitly indicated as a projection method. | | TOPIC 5 Equivalence to colones of rates and cost of equity | | --- | | RE-0044-JD-2019. | | Processes for colonizing the return are not defined | | PROPOSAL. | | A procedure is included to perform equivalence to colones for rates in dollars or currencies other than the colón. | | -Equivalence to colones of the cost of equity | | JUSTIFICATION. | | "These equations respond to a formalization of current processes in application at the IA, which leads to an improvement in the wording of the current methodology. | | The approach defines aspects such as: source of information, analysis or reference periods, use of currencies other than USD and colón, among others. | | It is necessary to review the processes applied in applications of the current methodology, to verify that the periods, sources, and the process of dollarizing all currencies -including the colón- coincide." | | TOPIC 6 Rate base | | --- | | RE-0044-JD-2019. | | The rate base is defined in formula 6 as equal to the average revalued net fixed assets in operation of service or activity "i" of company "e" for period "t". | | PROPOSAL. | | The rate base is composed of the average revalued net fixed assets in operation destined for the provision of the service plus working capital. (Defined in formula 14). | | JUSTIFICATION. | | It is widely applied in economic regulation to recognize, in the calculation of rates, as part of the value of the rate base, an amount that corresponds to the working capital that the company needs to operate. | | TOPIC 7 Asset revaluation | | RE-0044-JD-2019. | | Asset revaluation (equation 12) is proposed through the application of a composite asset revaluation index (equation 13) that is estimated from the sum of the local index (equation 14) and the external index (equation 15). | | The formulas consider variables such as the exchange rate, national price indices, external price indices, among others. | | PROPOSAL. | | Asset revaluation is carried out in accordance with the application of IFRS standards. The value of the Revalued Fixed Asset (AFR) will remain constant in periods in which no revaluations are performed, except for the inclusion of the effect of asset retirements and transfers. That is, the AFR will be updated by way of revaluation only when the provider's assets are valued in accordance with the applicable IFRS regulations. | | In other words, asset revaluation through price indices ceases to be the sole and express mechanism used to revalue assets. | | JUSTIFICATION. | | It moves from considering the performance of asset revaluation solely through price indices, insofar as, with the current proposal, according to the application of IFRS criteria, it is monitored that there is no significant difference between the accounting records and the fair value; if there is one, a reasoned and justified study is carried out. | | TOPIC 8 Accumulated depreciation of revalued fixed assets (DAFR) | | --- | | RE-0044-JD-2019. | | The formulation of the DAFR includes the revaluation of depreciation of net additions of revalued fixed assets (RevDep). | | PROPOSAL. | | The formulation of the DAFR does not include the revaluation of depreciation of net additions of revalued fixed assets (RevDep) because this revaluation is performed through revaluation indices, and with the application of IFRS standards, this effect is already included in the fair value. | | JUSTIFICATION. | | In the current methodology, the revaluation of depreciation of net additions is considered; in this proposal, this item is eliminated given that the corresponding amounts are included in the revaluation itself. | | TOPIC 9 Investment execution percentage | | RE-0044-JD-2019. | | The execution percentage of recognized investments is estimated from the quantity of works built and equipment installed during the year -period t-; being the quotient between investments executed and those recognized by the IA. | | PROPOSAL. | | The execution percentage of recognized investments is estimated as the average of the quotient between investments executed and those recognized by the IA for 5 years (base year and 4 previous years). | | JUSTIFICATION. | | The objective of adjusting the way of estimating the investment execution percentage is to prevent abrupt changes in said execution from causing instability in the current rates. | | TOPIC 10 Volume of water to bill (sewerage) | | RE-0044-JD-2019. | | For all services "i", the volume to be billed for the aqueduct service shall be used, except in the case of sewerage, which shall be adjusted by the percentage of actual service coverage (m3 consumed by subscribers who have sewerage service, divided by the total m3 billed by the company). | | PROPOSAL. | | --- | | Delete paragraph in this present proposal. | | JUSTIFICATION. | | The detailed description of the calculations to determine the volume of water to bill in the sewerage service is eliminated, leaving room for the analysis and technical justification that the IA must carry out when making the calculations and analyses required to set rates, both for aqueducts and for sewerage and hydrants. | (.)"

V.That the responses to the positions presented in the public hearing, held on May 20, 2022, are based on report IN-0048-CDR-2022 of September 12, 2022.

VI.That based on the resultandos and considerandos that precede, it is appropriate to 1- Issue the "Tariff methodology for Aqueduct, Sewerage, and Hydrant services (MTAAH)". 2- Repeal resolution RE-0044-JD-2019, of March 12, 2019, "Tariff methodology for Aqueduct, Sewerage, and Hydrant services (MTAAH)". 3- Consider as the response to the positions raised in the public hearing held on May 20, 2022, what is indicated in report IN-0048-CDR-2022 of September 12, 2022, and appreciate the valuable participation in this process. 4- Instruct the Secretaría de Junta Directiva of Aresep to proceed to notify, in a single act, the Instituto Costarricense de Acueductos y Alcantarillados, the Empresa de Servicios Públicos de Heredia S.A., Mr. José Antonio Fernández Elizondo, and Mr. Ismael Martínez Morera, of the response to the positions raised in the public hearing, as well as this resolution. 5- Instruct the Secretaría de Junta Directiva of Aresep to proceed with the necessary procedures for the publication of this resolution in the official gazette La Gaceta.

VII.That in extraordinary session N° 39-2023, held on May 11, 2023, and ratified on May 23, 2023, the Junta Directiva of Aresep, based on final report IN-0049-CDR-2022, of September 12, 2022, and official letter OF-0313-CDR-2022, of September 14, 2022, both issued by the Dirección General Centro Desarrollo de la Regulación, and official letter OF-0240-DGAJR-2023, of April 26, 2023, from the Dirección General de Asesoría Jurídica y Regulatoria, agrees to issue this resolution as provided herein.

Based on the powers conferred in the Ley de la Autoridad Reguladora de los Servicios Públicos (Ley 7593), in Decreto Ejecutivo 29732-MP "Reglamento a la Ley 7593", and in the "Reglamento Interno de Organización y Funciones de la Autoridad Reguladora de los Servicios Públicos y su Órgano Desconcentrado" (RIOF); the following is ordered:

LA JUNTA DIRECTIVA DE LA AUTORIDAD REGULADORA DE LOS SERVICIOS PÚBLICOS

I. Issue the "Tariff methodology for Aqueduct, Sewerage, and

Hydrant services (MTAAH)", as follows:

"Tariff methodology for Aqueduct, Sewerage, and Hydrant services (MTAAH)" 1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ............................... 34 2. BACKGROUND ................................. 36 3. LEGAL FRAMEWORK .................................. 41 3.1. Regarding the competence of the Autoridad Reguladora de los Servicios Públicos to establish tariff methodologies and technical regulations ........... 42 3.2. Regarding the regulation of the service of supply for aqueduct, sanitary sewerage, and hydrant services in Costa Rica .............. 49 3.3. International environment ........................ .... 50 3.4. Regarding the National Plans and sectoral policies surrounding the supply of aqueduct, sanitary sewerage, and hydrant services in Costa Rica .... 53 3.5. Regarding the regulatory policies of Aresep for the public service .... 55 4. JUSTIFICATION ............................... 58 5. OBJECTIVES .................................. 70 5.1. General objective of the methodology ........................ 70 5.2. Specific objectives of the methodology ...................... 70 6. SCOPE ................................... 70 7. GENERAL MODEL ............................... 70 7.1. Total costs and expenses of operation, maintenance, and administration (COMAiet) 73 7.1.1. Projection methodology for total costs and expenses of operation, maintenance, and administration ..................... 77 7.2. Return for development (RDiet) ......................... 85 7.2.1. Rate of return for development .................... 86 7.2.2. Rate Base ............................ 95 7.2.3. Working capital ............................ 113 7.3. Total volume of water to bill ....................... 114 7.4. Total expected revenues (ITEiet) ..................... 115 7.4.1. Sales revenue and other income ..................117 7.4.2. Settlement of the previous period ...................... 123 7.5. Determination of the percentage adjustment in rates for the period in which the new ordinary tariff fixation will take effect .............. ..... 127 7.5.1. Determination of the required adjustment in absolute terms, ordinary procedure ................................. 127 7.5.2. Determination of the required percentage adjustment, ordinary procedure 128 8. UPDATE OF THE REGULATION CANON (CANON DE REGULACIÓN) BY EXTRAORDINARY MEANS ... 129 8.1. Determination of the percentage adjustment in rates for the procedure of extraordinary tariff fixation due to canon adjustment ............ 130 8.1.1. Determination of the required adjustment in absolute terms, extraordinary procedure ..................... 130 8.1.2. Determination of the required percentage adjustment, extraordinary procedure 131 9. ANNEX: LIST OF VARIABLES ......................... 132 1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Junta Directiva of the Autoridad Reguladora de los Servicios Públicos (ARESEP) approved on March 12, 2019, through agreement 10-14-2019 of Ordinary Session 14-2019, the "Tariff methodology for aqueduct, sewerage, and hydrant services (MTAAH)", resolution RE-0044-JD-2019.

In Alcance N°59 to La Gaceta of March 18, 2019, resolution RE-0044-JD-2019 was published, containing the "Tariff methodology for aqueduct, sewerage, and hydrant services (MTAAH)".

The Intendencia de Agua, through official letter OF-0154-IA-2021 of March 18, 2021, sent to the CDR a proposal for modification of the "Tariff methodology for aqueduct, sewerage, and hydrant services (MTAAH)". This proposal is detailed in official letter IN-0034-IA-2021 of March 18, 2021.

The Dirección General Centro de Desarrollo de la Regulación, through official letter OF-0131-CDR-2021 of May 13, 2021, proposes, among other things, the formation of a task force that will have the responsibility of making a proposal for modification of the "Tariff methodology for aqueduct, sewerage, and hydrant services (MTAAH)".

The Regulador General, through official letter OF-0302-RG-2021 of May 17, 2021, confirms and adjusts work teams, resulting in the designation of the Task Force that will handle the necessary adjustments to the Pricing methodology for aqueduct, sewerage, and hydrant services (MTAAH).

On June 2, 2021, a series of work meetings of the Task Force began to review the proposal made through official letter IN-0034-IA-2021 of March 18, 2021, ending this stage on September 22, 2021.

The general objective of the methodology is defined in terms of: "Updating the current tariff instrument to introduce improvements in the methods for determining revenues, costs, and return for development necessary for the supply of the regulated service "i" (aqueduct, sewerage, and hydrants)." The specific objectives of the methodology are defined in two dimensions: (1) Introduce improvements and updates to the ordinary and extraordinary tariff fixation procedure, for each of the regulated services "i", that contribute to improving service provision, and (2) Estimate the total costs and expenses and the demand for service "i" for the period in which the new tariff fixation will be in effect.

The proposal identified improvement opportunities in the sections of total costs and expenses of operation, maintenance, and administration, return for development, rate base, and investments, as well as other considerations that clarify different parts of the rate calculation process.

In accordance with the above, an analysis was carried out on the variables involved in estimating revenues, cost structure, expenses, assets, and profitability.

Thus, an adjustment proposal was made to the current methodology on the following topics:

I. Costs and expenses of operation, maintenance, and administration (COMA)

II. Return for development

III. Rate base

IV. Investments

V. Settlement of the previous period (Tariff Settlement)

VI. Use of m3 in rate calculation

VII. Other general considerations related to the regulated service

2. BACKGROUND

I.That article 5 of Law N° 7593 establishes that, for the public services defined in that article, the Regulatory Authority shall set prices and rates. Among these services are aqueduct and sewerage and hydrants.

II.That article 6, subsection d) of Law N° 7593, establishes as an obligation of the Regulatory Authority, "to fix the rates and prices in accordance with the technical studies," as defined in article 4, subsection a), point 2 of the Reglamento a la Ley de la Autoridad Reguladora de los Servicios Públicos, Decreto Ejecutivo N° 29732-MP, which establishes among the functions of Aresep: "2. To fix the prices, rates, and fees for the regulated public services

by law, in observance of the principle of service at cost (.)."

III.That article 29 of Law N° 7593 provides that the Regulatory Authority shall formulate and promulgate the definitions, requirements, and conditions to which procedures for rates and prices of public services will be subject.

IV.That article 30 of Law N° 7593, with respect to the request for fixation or changes of rates and prices, establishes that, according to the circumstances, rate fixations shall be of an ordinary or extraordinary nature.

V.That article 31 of Law N° 7593 establishes that, to fix the rates and prices of public services, Aresep shall take into account the model structures for each public service, according to the development of knowledge, technology, the possibilities of the service, the activity in question, and the size of the providing companies. In this last case, it will seek to promote small and medium-sized enterprises. If there is proven

inability to apply this procedure, the particular situation of each company shall be considered. Said rule provides that the criteria of social equity, environmental sustainability, energy conservation, and economic efficiency defined in the Plan Nacional de Desarrollo, must be central elements for setting the rates and prices of public services. Fixations that threaten the financial equilibrium of the public service providing entities are not permitted. Likewise, article 31 of Law N° 7593 provides that, when setting rates for public services, the protection of water resources, costs, and environmental services must be considered.

VI.That article 33 of Law N° 7593 establishes that, in the tariff procedure, each petition regarding rates and prices must be duly justified, and article 34 ibidem provides that the rates and prices set by ARESEP shall govern from the moment of their publication in the Diario Oficial La Gaceta or from the moment indicated by the corresponding resolution.

VII.That article 15 of Decreto Ejecutivo N° 29732-MP, Reglamento a la Ley Reguladora de los Servicios Públicos, provides that, to fix rates, models that according to the law must be approved by ARESEP shall be used.

VIII.That article 6, subsection 16) of the Reglamento Interno de Organización y Funciones de la Autoridad Reguladora de los Servicios Públicos y su Órgano Desconcentrado (RIOF), establishes that the Junta Directiva of ARESEP has the competence to approve the methodologies to be used in the different regulatory processes.

IX.That article 21, subsection 3 of the RIOF, provides that the Dirección General Centro de Desarrollo de la Regulación is responsible for the "(.) review of the validity and competitiveness of the models being applied by Aresep to regulate public services".

X.That on May 14, 2002, the "Reglamento Sectorial para la Regulación de los Servicios de Acueducto y Alcantarillado Sanitario", Decreto Ejecutivo Nº 30413-MP-MINAE-S-MEIC, was published in La Gaceta Nº 91, Alcance N° 38, through which the definitions and general conditions are established under which the technical standard and the tariff methodology will be applied to regulate the activities of the providers of public aqueduct and sanitary sewerage services and the relations between them and the Autoridad Reguladora de los Servicios Públicos (Aresep), in accordance with the provisions of the Ley de la Autoridad Reguladora de los Servicios Públicos Nº 7593 and its Reglamento.

XI.That on June 24, 2008, the Law on "Declaratoria del servicio de hidrantes como servicio público y reforma de leyes conexas", Law Nº 8641, was published in La Gaceta Nº 121, through which it was mandated that Aresep

will recognize, among the tariff structures of the aqueduct service, the costs and investments necessary for the installation, development, operation, and maintenance of hydrants. Other matters of this service shall be regulated in accordance with the provisions of the Ley de la Autoridad Reguladora de los Servicios Públicos, Nº 7593, of August 9, 1996, and its amendments.

XII.That on May 19, 2009, the "Reglamento a la Ley de Declaratoria del Servicio de Hidrantes como Servicio Público y Reforma de Leyes Conexas, N° 8641 del 11 de Junio de 2008", decreto ejecutivo Nº 35206-MP-MINAE, was published in La Gaceta Nº 95, through which it was mandated, among other things, that the development of the hydrant network, its installation, operation, and maintenance must have adequate rates, for which the Autoridad Reguladora de los Servicios Públicos or the Contraloría General de la República, depending on which is the operating and managing entity of the public or private aqueduct system, shall establish the rate amount for the development of that activity, which will be included in the price structure that said entity charges its customers.

XIII.That on September 29, 2014, resolution of the Junta Directiva de la Aresep, RJD-101-2014, was published in La Gaceta Nº 186, Alcance Digital N° 50, through which the technical regulation: "Prestación de los Servicios de Acueducto, Alcantarillado Sanitario e Hidrantes, AR-PSAYA-2013." was approved. Reformed by the Junta Directiva, through resolution N° RJD-053-2016, published in La Gaceta N° 69, Alcance N° 55.

XIV.That on March 12, 2019, the Board of Directors of the Public Services Regulatory Authority (Autoridad Reguladora de los Servicios Públicos, ARESEP) approved, through agreement 10-14-2019 of Ordinary Session 14-2019, visible in Resolution RE-0044-JD-2019, the tariff methodology for Aqueduct, Sewer, and Hydrant services (Metodología tarifaria para los servicios de Acueducto, Alcantarillado e Hidrantes, MTAAH).

XV.That on March 18, 2019, in scope No. 59 to La Gaceta of that day, resolution RE-0044-JD-2019, tariff methodology for Aqueduct, Sewer, and Hydrant services (MTAAH), was published.

XVI.That on March 18, 2021, the Water Superintendency (Intendencia de Agua), through official letter OF-0154-IA-2021, sent to the CDR a proposal for modification of the Tariff methodology for aqueduct, sewer, and hydrant services (MTAAH). This proposal is detailed in official letter IN-0034-IA-2021 of March 18, 2021.

XVII.That on May 13, 2021, the General Directorate Center for Regulatory Development (Dirección General Centro de Desarrollo de la Regulación), through official letter OF-0131-CDR-2021, proposed, among other things, the formation of a task force that would be responsible for making a proposal for modification of the Tariff methodology for aqueduct, sewer, and hydrant services (MTAAH).

XVIII.That on May 17, 2021, the Regulador General, through official letter OF-0302-RG-2021, confirmed and adjusted task forces, designating the Task Force (Fuerza de Tarea) that will be in charge of the necessary adjustments to the Methodology for setting prices for aqueduct, sewer, and hydrant services (MTAAH).

XIX.That on June 2, 2021, a series of working meetings of the Task Force began to review the proposal made through official letter IN-0034-IA-2021 of March 18, 2021, concluding this stage on September 15, 2021.

XX.That on September 20, 2021, via an email, the Task Force delivered to the Director General of the CDR a first draft of the proposal for modification of the Methodology for setting prices for aqueduct, sewer, and hydrant services (MTAAH).

XXI.That on October 22, 2021, via an email, the Task Force delivered to the Director General of the CDR a draft of the proposal for modification of the Methodology for setting prices for aqueduct, sewer, and hydrant services (MTAAH), for the purpose of sending a formal proposal for the change of the methodology to the Water Superintendency, the General Directorate of User Services (Dirección General de Atención al Usuario), and the User Advisor (Consejero del Usuario).

XXII.That on October 26, 2021, through official letter OF-0048-CDR-2021, the Task Force delivered the final draft of the proposal for modification of the Methodology for setting prices for aqueduct,

sewer and hydrant services (MTAAH), for the purpose of sending a formal proposal for the change of the methodology to the Water Superintendency, the General Directorate of User Services, and the User Advisor.

XXIII.That on November 1, 2021, through official letter OF-0296-CDR-2021, the Director General of the CDR sent to the General Directorate of User Services, the User Advisor, and the Water Superintendency, official letter OF-0048-CDR-2021, so that they would comment on the content of the proposal.

XXIV.That on November 9, 2021, the General Directorate of User Services and the User Advisor, through official letter OF-2405-DGAU-2021, sent comments and suggestions on the proposal for adjustment of the aqueduct, sewer, and hydrant methodology. On November 12, 2021, the Water Superintendency, through official letter OF-0699-IA-2021, sent to the CDR their respective comments and suggestions for improvement on the proposal for modification of the Tariff methodology for aqueduct, sewer, and hydrant services (MTAAH).

XXV.That on November 30, 2021, the Task Force, through official letter OF-0051-CDR-2021, sent to the Director General of the Center for Regulatory Development the proposal for modification of the Tariff methodology for aqueduct, sewer, and hydrant services (MTAAH), having taken into account the analysis carried out by the Water Superintendency, the General Directorate of User Services, and the User Advisor, incorporating what the Task Force considered pertinent.

XXVI.That on March 15, 2022, the Task Force, through official letter IN-0013-CDR-2022, with the updating of some background information, again sent to the Director General of the CDR the proposal for modification of the Tariff methodology for aqueduct, sewer, and hydrant services (MTAAH).

XXVII.That on March 15, 2022, the Director General of the CDR, through official letter OF-0065-CDR-2022, sent to the Regulador General the proposal for modification of the Tariff methodology for aqueduct, sewer, and hydrant services (MTAAH).

XXVIII.That on March 15, 2022, the Regulador General, through official letter OF-0171-RG-2022, sent to the Secretariat of the Board of Directors of ARESEP, the "Proposal for modification of the regulatory instrument: Tariff methodology for aqueduct, sewer, and hydrant services."

XXIX.That on March 22, 2022, in extraordinary session No. 14-2022, the Board of Directors of ARESEP reviewed the "Proposal for modification of the regulatory instrument: Tariff methodology for aqueduct,

sewer and hydrant services.", contained in report IN-013-CDR-2022 and sent through official letters OF-0065-CDR-2022 and OF-0171-RG-2022, and agreed to "Continue, in a forthcoming session, with the analysis of the proposal for modification of the regulatory instrument 'Tariff methodology for aqueduct, sewer, and hydrant services'." (agreement 02-14-2022).

XXX.That on March 29, 2022, the Board of Directors, through agreement No. 06-17-2022, of the minutes of ordinary session No. 17-2022, and ratified on April 5, 2022, by unanimous vote of the members present, firmly agreed, among other things: "(…) I. To submit to public hearing (audiencia pública) the proposal 'Tariff methodology for aqueduct, sewer, and hydrant services (MTAAH)', sent by the General Directorate Center for Regulatory Development

through official letter OF-0065-CDR-2022 together with the technical report of the Task Force IN-0013-CDR-2022, both dated March 15, 2022, according to the following detail (…)". Said agreement was communicated by the Secretariat of the Board of Directors, through official letter OF-02-05-SJD-2022 of April 5, 2022.

XXXI.That on April 22, 2022, the notice for a public hearing to be held on May 20, 2022, was published in the Official Gazette La Gaceta No. 73 and in the nationally circulated newspapers La Teja and Diario Extra.

XXXII. That on May 2, 2022, the DGAU, through report IN-0333-DGAU-2022, issued the public hearing investigation report

XXXIII.That on May 20, 2022, the public hearing was held, which is recorded in the minutes AC-0161-DGAU-2022 of May 30, 2022, issued by the DGAU and the respective recording.

XXXIV.That on May 27, 2022, the DGAU, through report IN-0391-DGAU-2022, issued the Report on Oppositions and Coadjuvancies received and admitted at the public hearing of May 20, 2022.

3. LEGAL FRAMEWORK The establishment of the tariff-setting methodology being proposed has legal support in the current regulations applicable to the Public Services Regulatory Authority and relating to the provision of aqueduct, sanitary sewer, and hydrant services, which are cited below:

3.1 Regarding the competence of the Public Services Regulatory Authority to establish tariff methodologies and technical regulations.

ARESEP is the autonomous institution with its own legal personality and assets, which exercises the regulation of the public services established in Law No. 7593, or those services that the legislator defines as such (articles 188 and 189 of the Political Constitution, article 1 of the Law of the Public Services Regulatory Authority, Law No. 7593, and article 2 of the Regulation to Law No. 7593, Decreto Ejecutivo No. 29732-MP).

7593, defines public service as "that which, due to its importance for the sustainable development of the country, is classified as such by the Legislative Assembly, for the purpose of subjecting it to the regulations of this law." Likewise, subsection b) defines cost-of-service (servicio al costo) as the: "Principle that determines the manner of setting the rates (tarifas) and prices of public services, so that only the costs necessary to provide the service are considered, which allow for a competitive return and guarantee the adequate development of the activity, in accordance with the provisions of article 31."

7593 establishes as fundamental objectives of ARESEP, among others: "c) To ensure that public services are provided in accordance with the provisions of subsection b) of article 3 of this law" and "f) To exercise, in accordance with the provisions of this law, the regulation of public services." For its part, Law No. 7593, in article 5, subsection c), granted the Regulatory Authority sufficient powers to exercise regulation over the public services provided in the country, including the service of "Provision of aqueduct and sewer service, including potable water, the collection, treatment, and disposal of black water, residual water, and stormwater, as well as the installation, operation, and maintenance of hydrant service."

7593, establishes as an obligation of the Regulatory Authority "to set rates and prices in accordance with technical studies," in relation to the provisions of numerals 3.b), 6.a) and f), 20, 31 through 37 of the same legal body, through which the parameters, criteria, and central elements for tariff-setting are fixed in accordance with the principle of cost-of-service, an obligation reiterated via regulation in article 4, subsection a), point 2) of the Regulation to the Law Regulating Public Services, Decreto Ejecutivo No. 29732-MP, which establishes among the functions of ARESEP:

"(…) 2. To set the prices, rates (tarifas), and fees (tasas) of the public services regulated by law, observing the principle of cost-of-service, as established in article 31 of the law, and subject to the criteria of social equity, environmental sustainability, energy conservation, and economic efficiency, defined in the National Development Plan, as well as in pursuit of the financial equilibrium of the company or entity providing the service (…)." It is derived from the foregoing that the Public Services Regulatory Authority, in accordance with its founding Law, Law No. 7593, must regulate and oversee public service providers from an accounting, financial, and technical perspective. Therefore, it is responsible for both price setting and verification of compliance with quality, quantity, reliability, continuity, timeliness, and optimal delivery standards.

This function of overseeing and monitoring the regulation that ARESEP carries out over public services is fundamental. For this reason, article 6, subsection a) of Law No. 7593 grants it the competence to regulate and oversee public service providers in accounting, financial, and technical terms, and it may even, in accordance with article 24 of its Law, request that regulated entities provide the necessary information related to the provision of the public service they offer.

It follows from the foregoing that the exclusive and exclusionary powers of the Regulatory Authority for setting public service rates are established in Law No. 75938, specifically in articles 4, 5, and 6 subsections a), d), and f), as well as in article 59, subsection 1) of the General Law of Public Administration (Ley General de la Administración Pública) No. 6227 (LGAP).

Regarding the exclusive and exclusionary function of ARESEP, the Procuraduría General de la República (PGR), in opinion C-003-2002 of January 7, 2002, stated the following:

"(…) It corresponds to ARESEP to set rates: The Public Services Regulatory Authority was created by the legislator to assume the regulation of certain public services defined by Law No. 7593 of August 9, 1996.

Regulation is a set of legal and extra-legal mechanisms, particularly economic ones, whose purpose is to ensure that the broad market equilibria are achieved within the framework of the general interest. In the 8 "(…) Artículo 59.- 1. La competencia será regulada por ley siempre que contenga la atribución de potestades de imperio. (…)." opinion No. 250-99 of December 21, 1999, we pointed out that regulation entails an intervention by public powers in the market and implies continuous control over a specific activity, in order to reconcile private interests with the general interest, but also a function of information for the benefit of users of public services. This function of imperium must favor the management autonomy of the service and its quality and efficiency.

The regulation entrusted to the Regulatory Authority (article 5 of Law No. 7593) includes the control of prices or rates for services, which must be the reasonable remuneration for the service, covering its costs and allowing for investment and a reasonable profit.

The function of ARESEP is exclusive and exclusionary of any intervention regarding the services listed in the aforementioned article 5. This means that no other body, public or private, can intervene in the setting of the cited rates. The rate is the price, defined unilaterally by the Regulatory Entity, which remunerates the provision of the public service by the users. A remuneration that must respond to the financing of the service, therefore, to the principle of financial equilibrium. For such setting, the Authority must take into account the provisions of article 29 of its founding Law:

" The Regulatory Authority shall formulate the definitions, requirements, and conditions to which the procedures for rates, prices, and fees for public services shall be subject, which shall be promulgated by the Executive Branch, through regulation." The Authority not only sets the specific rate for the public service and, therefore, the compensation the provider will receive from the users of the service, but also defines the elements that, in accordance with the law, it will consider for setting rates. It has a rule-making power over its own competence, which allows it to impose on the service concessionaires the rules they must follow for setting the rate or, where applicable, for tariff adjustments (…)". The underlining is not part of the original.

In this way, the exclusive powers and competences of the Regulatory Authority in the matter of setting public service rates have been expressly recognized as a fundamental element in the exercise of its functions, which guarantee compliance with the objectives established in Law No. 7593 and the balance between the needs of users and the providers of those services.

7593 provides that: "The Regulatory Authority shall formulate and promulgate the definitions, requirements, and conditions to which the procedures for rates and prices of public services shall be subject." For its part, article 36, subsection d) of Law No. 7593 provides for the public hearing procedure, which must be followed for "The formulation or revision of price and rate setting models, in accordance with article 31 of this Law," in which persons with a legitimate interest may participate to express themselves. Said numeral is regulated in articles 44 through 56 of Decreto No. 29732-MP, in relation to numeral 9 of the Political Constitution, as a manifestation of the constitutional right of citizen participation, which has been shaped by the Sala Constitucional in ruling No. 7213-2012, establishing the obligation of ARESEP to guarantee citizen participation in the formulation of tariff methodologies (in the same sense, rulings of the Sala Constitucional No. 2009-016649 and No. 2008-17093, among others, may be consulted). For the purposes of standing due to collective interest, legal entities organized under associative forms whose purpose is the defense of consumer or user rights may register with the Regulatory Authority to act in their defense, as opposing parties, provided that the tariff request proceeding relates to their purpose. Likewise, community development associations or other social organizations whose purpose is the defense of the rights and legitimate interests of their members shall have standing, in accordance with article 36 of Law No. 7593.

Regarding administrative discretion, the Procuraduría General de la República has stated and indicated that it exists for administrative heads within a determined legal framework. This implies that, in a discretionary manner, not arbitrarily and in accordance with the law, this regulatory body is capable of evaluating the possibilities granted to it by Law, and choosing the most reasonable and proportionate one regarding the procedure being conducted before its competence. In this regard, articles 15 and 16 of the LGAP establish:

"(…) Artículo 15- 1. Discretion may occur even due to the absence of law in a specific case, but it shall be subject in all cases to the limits imposed on it by the legal system, expressly or implicitly, to ensure that its exercise is efficient and reasonable. 2. The Judge shall exercise legality review over the regulated aspects of the discretionary act and over the observance of its limits.

In no case may acts contrary to unequivocal rules of science or technique, or to elementary principles of justice, logic, and convenience be issued (…)." With respect to the context in which discretion must operate, the jurisprudence has been reiterative in the following criteria:

"(...) Every administrative act is the result of the exercise of a power. In the case of acts resulting from the exercise of a discretionary power, these are composed of legally determined elements and others configured by the subjective assessment of the executing Administration. Discretion is essentially the freedom of choice that the Administration has, to choose from a plurality of alternatives, all equally just, according to its own initiative, because the concrete solution is not within the norm. This freedom of the Administration is not arbitrary; its existence has its basis in the Law and its exercise is delimited therein. (…) In this sense, we find that articles 15, 16, 17, 160, and 216, subsection 1), of the General Law of Public Administration provide that discretion is subject to the limits that the legal system itself imposes on it, as well as to the rules of logic, science, or technique, and to the general principles of Law, among which the elementary principles of justice, convenience, and reasonableness stand out (...)". Ruling of the Sala Primera of the Corte Suprema de Justicia No. 19, of 2:40 p.m. on April 2, 1997 (…).// As a general principle of Law, contained in article 16 of the General Law of Public Administration, in no case may acts contrary to unequivocal rules of science or technology be issued, or to elementary principles of justice, logic, or convenience, concepts that are summarized in reasonableness and proportionality as parameters of constitutionality (…)." (Ruling of the Sala Constitucional, No. 5990-94 of 9:09 a.m. on October 14, 199). The underlining is not part of the original.

In this way, the Water Superintendency is competent to technically analyze the appropriateness of an ex officio tariff adjustment for public services related to the water sector, as these fall under its competence. This, of course, must be done in compliance with the tariff procedure regulated in Law No. 7593 and its respective regulation.

In accordance with the foregoing, it should be noted that article 6, subsection 16 of the RIOF establishes that the Board of Directors of ARESEP has the function of approving the regulatory methodologies that will be applied in the various regulated sectors under its competence. Said regulation was published in La Gaceta No. 105, of June 3, 2013, in Scope No. 101.

Thus, the Board of Directors of the Public Services Regulatory Authority is competent to issue the tariff methodologies for public services, for which it must follow the public hearing procedure that guarantees citizen participation, and for the issuance of these, it must observe the principle of cost-of-service, the rules of science and technique, and the general provisions referenced, relating to the water sector.

As such, it is clear that the Board of Directors of ARESEP is the competent body to formulate the tariff methodologies for regulated public services, including the provision of aqueduct and sewer service, including potable water, the collection, treatment, and disposal of black water, residual water, and stormwater, as well as the installation, operation, and maintenance of hydrant service, and also the aqueduct service provided by the ASADAS, for which it must follow the public hearing procedure provided in article 36 of Law No. 7593, the legal framework previously cited together providing the basis that empowers ARESEP to define the proposed regulatory methodology that is the subject of this report. For its part, article 21 of the RIOF establishes that the Center for Regulatory Development (CDR) is responsible for the institutional process of research and development of regulation, and therefore has competences in matters of research and studies, as well as in the drafting and discussion of regulations. In that sense, defining and establishing the tariff methodologies or models that will determine the rates of public services subject to its regulation is encompassed within the tariff competence conferred upon ARESEP.

In this line of analysis, the Procuraduría General de la República (PGR), as the legal-technical advisory body of the Public Administration, in repeated pronouncements has affirmed that the definition of tariff methodologies or models is encompassed within the exclusive and exclusionary competence of ARESEP to set rates. In this regard, see opinion C-416-2014, which states: "c) The definition of tariff methodologies or models is encompassed within the exclusive and exclusionary competence of ARESEP to set rates, without it being obliged to coordinate with other entities or bodies." This same position has been reiterated by the PGR in opinion C-023-2017, when establishing that ARESEP "is the competent entity to establish the tariff methodologies or models that will determine the rates of public services subject to its regulation." Furthermore, it must be indicated that the establishment of tariff methodologies and criteria by ARESEP is clearly framed within the technical discretion that has been recognized to this regulatory body, provided that the cost-of-service principle is respected. The foregoing is in accordance with articles 15, 1610, 16011, 21612 of the General Law of Public Administration. In this regard, the Sala Primera, in ruling 001687-F-S1-2012, has recognized that discretion of ARESEP in the establishment of methodologies, by stating:

9 "(…) Artículo 15.- 1. Discretion may occur even due to the absence of law in a specific case, but it shall be subject in all cases to the limits imposed on it by the legal system, expressly or implicitly, to ensure that its exercise is efficient and reasonable. 2. The Judge shall exercise legality review over the regulated aspects of the discretionary act and over the observance of its limits. (…)." 10 "(…) Artículo 16.- 1. In no case may acts contrary to unequivocal rules of science or technique, or to elementary principles of justice, logic, or convenience be issued. 2. The Judge may review the conformity with these non-legal rules of the discretionary elements of the act, as if exercising legality review. (…)." 11 "(…) Artículo 160.- The discretionary act shall also be invalid when it violates elementary rules of logic, justice, or convenience, as indicated by the circumstances of each case. (…)." 12 "(…) Artículo 216.- 1. The Administration must adopt its resolutions within the procedure with strict adherence to the legal system and, in the case of discretionary actions, to the limits of rationality and reasonableness implicit therein. 2. The administrative body must also act subject to the orders, circulars, and instructions of the hierarchical superior, within the limits of this Law. (…)." "(…) There is no doubt that ARESEP can determine the evaluation models for tariff requests, based on model productive structures for each public service, according to the development of knowledge, technology, service possibilities, the activity in question, and the size of the providing companies (parameters of the cost-of-service principle). To this end, Law No. 7593 grants it a fairly broad framework of action (cardinals 6 subsection d) and 29 through 37). However, it must be remembered that discretion is for choosing, in a first stage, among one or several technical methods that will be applied in a second moment after their formalization (in the procedure itself) (…)." As such, in application of the principle of legality (articles 1113 of the LGAP and 1114 of the Political Constitution), rates must be established in accordance with the mechanisms duly established for such purpose, through the procedure contained in Law No. 7593 and its regulation, with ARESEP being responsible for setting the prices and rates of said public services, as well as establishing the tariff methodologies or models that will determine them, according to the provisions of Law No. 7593, the Regulation to the Law Regulating Public Services, No. 29732-MP, and the RIOF.

13 "(…) Artículo 11.- 1. The Public Administration shall act subject to the legal system and may only perform those acts or provide those public services that said system authorizes, according to the hierarchical scale of its sources. 2. The act expressly regulated by a written norm shall be considered authorized, at least as to motive or content, even if imprecisely. (…)." 14 "(…) Artículo 11.- Public officials are mere depositaries of authority. They are obliged to fulfill the duties that the law imposes on them and cannot arrogate powers not granted therein. They must take an oath to observe and comply with this Constitution and the laws. The action to demand criminal liability for their acts is public. The Public Administration in a broad sense shall be subject to a procedure of results evaluation and accountability, with the consequent personal responsibility for officials in the fulfillment of their duties. The law shall indicate the means for this results and accountability control to operate as a system covering all public institutions. (…)." The foregoing, in accordance with the provisions of article 53, subsection n) of Law No. 7593, which attributes to the Board of Directors of the Public Services Regulatory Authority full power to issue the technical regulations required for the correct application of the regulatory framework for public services established in Law No. 7593 and their modifications; a legal framework that supports the issuance of this regulatory instrument.

3.2 Regarding the regulation of the provision of aqueduct, sanitary sewer, and hydrant services in Costa Rica.

Water resources are regulated in Costa Rican legislation starting from the Political Constitution. Its article 21 establishes that "Human life is inviolable," and this fundamental right to life is linked to the right to health, and with it, access to potable water derives as a guarantee of those rights.

Thus, access to potable water ensures the rights to life and to health of individuals—indispensable for their food, drink, and hygiene—(article 21 of the Political Constitution) and, of course, is associated with the socioeconomic development and growth of peoples to ensure every individual a dignified well-being and quality of life (article 33 of the Political Constitution). The foregoing is in accordance with the jurisprudence of our Sala Constitucional, which has issued binding resolutions recognizing as part of Constitutional Law the fundamental right to potable water, derived from the fundamental rights to health, life, a healthy environment, food, and dignified housing, among others (Voto No. 200412263, of October 29, 2004, of the Sala Constitucional). In a similar sense, see rulings 2007-17475 of November 30, 2007, and 2008-11390, of July 22, 2008.

Recently, with Law N°9849 of June 5, 2020, a paragraph was added to Article 50 of the Magna Carta that recognizes and guarantees the human right of access to water:

"(.) Article 50. Every person has the human, basic, and inalienable right of access to drinking water, as an essential good for life. Water is a national good, indispensable for protecting such human right. Its use, protection, sustainability, conservation, and exploitation shall be governed by what is established by the law to be created for these effects, and priority shall be given to the supply of drinking water for the consumption of persons and populations (.)." Based on this recognition of access to water as a Human Right, the obligation of the State arises to provide basic public services, which implies that persons cannot be illegitimately deprived of them; to this end, providers must progressively achieve, in accordance with internal legislation, the full effectiveness of this right that is constitutionally recognized.

Finally, it should be noted that Article 121, subsection 14.a), of this normative body establishes that the forces that may be obtained from the waters of the public domain in the national territory shall not definitively leave the domain of the State.

3.3 International Environment At the international level, regarding the protection of water resources (recurso hídrico) and its role as an essential element for human activity, the following provisions exist:

. Resolution A/RES/64/292 of July 28, 2010, issued by the General Assembly of the United Nations:

In July 2010, the General Assembly of the United Nations, for the first time, expressly recognized the human right to water and sanitation and assumed that pure drinking water and sanitation are essential for the realization of all human rights.

The Resolution urges States and international organizations to provide financial resources, to support training and the transfer of technology to help countries, particularly developing countries, to supply safe, clean, accessible, and affordable drinking water and sanitation services for all. It is stated in this resolution:

"(.) Recognizes that the right to drinking water and sanitation is a human right essential for the full enjoyment of life and all human rights; Exhorts States and international organizations to provide financial resources and foster capacity-building and technology transfer through international assistance and cooperation, particularly to developing countries, in order to intensify efforts to provide all populations with economic access to drinking water and sanitation (.)." . Resolution HRC/RES/15/9 of the Human Rights Council:

In September 2010, the Human Rights Council adopted resolution HRC/RES/15/9, following the referenced General Assembly of the United Nations resolution. This UN Human Rights Council resolution affirms that the right to water and sanitation is part of existing international law and confirms that this right is legally binding for States. It also exhorts States to develop appropriate tools and mechanisms to progressively achieve full compliance with obligations related to safe access to drinking water and sanitation, including those areas currently unserved or under-served.

On September 25, 2015, a set of global goals was adopted aimed at eradicating poverty, protecting the planet, and ensuring prosperity for all as part of a new sustainable development agenda.

This global agreement, corresponding to the approval of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), by the countries that make up the United Nations Organization, defines the 17 global goals most relevant for human development, which must be achieved during the period ending in 2030. Although the 17 goals are interrelated, the following are those that have a more direct impact on the regulation of public services:

Goal 1: End poverty in all its forms everywhere.

Goal 3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.

Goal 6: Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.

Goal 7: Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all.

Goal 9: Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation.

Goal 12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.

Goal 13: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.

Specifically regarding Goal 6, that is, ensuring the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all, the following specific targets to be met by 2030 are established:

6.1 Achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.

6.2 Achieve access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all and end open defecation, paying special attention to the needs of women and girls and those in vulnerable situations.

6.3 Improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater and substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally.

6.4 Substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater to address water scarcity and substantially reduce the number of people suffering from water scarcity.

6.5 Implement integrated water resources management at all levels, including through transboundary cooperation as appropriate.

6.6 Protect and restore water-related ecosystems, including mountains, forests, wetlands, rivers, aquifers, and lakes.

6.a Expand international cooperation and capacity-building support to developing countries in water- and sanitation-related activities and programs, including water harvesting, desalination, water efficiency, wastewater treatment, recycling, and reuse technologies.

6.b Support and strengthen the participation of local communities in improving water and sanitation management.

The importance of SDG Goal 6 is due to the fact that, although access to water, sanitation, and hygiene is a human right, currently billions of people continue to face enormous difficulties daily in accessing the most basic services and adequate water and sanitation service provision, making it essential to meet the referenced targets to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, including those relating to health and gender equality. In this regard, the United Nations has indicated that:

"(.) Raising awareness of these tasks and turning them into concrete measures will produce beneficial results for all and lead to greater sustainability and integrity of human and ecological systems. More than 2 million people die each year from diarrheal diseases worldwide. Lack of hygiene and unsafe water are responsible for nearly 90% of these deaths, mainly affecting children. Through the sustainable management of our water resources, we can also better manage our food and energy production and contribute to decent work and economic growth.

Furthermore, we can preserve our water ecosystems and their biological diversity, and take measures to combat climate change (.)." Thus, Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) of the United Nations Organization recognizes that sustainable water management not only includes achieving access to drinking water and adequate sanitation services (targets 6.1 and 6.2) but also implies addressing the matter in a broader context, incorporating topics such as water quality and wastewater management, water scarcity and efficient use, water resources management, and the protection and restoration of related ecosystems, aspects that effectively must be considered within the regulatory instruments developed and implemented by Aresep.

3.4 On National Plans and Sectoral Policies Regarding the Supply of Aqueduct, Sanitary Sewerage, and Hydrant Services in Costa Rica.

There are a series of national plans that affect all national activities and, therefore, must be considered in the long-term planning of all public institutions, and specifically regarding Aresep, in the development and implementation of regulatory instruments. Among them, the following stand out:

- National Policy on Wastewater Sanitation 2016-2045 In 2016, the National Policy on Wastewater Sanitation 2016-2045 was established, whose approaches are:

- Human right to sanitation.

- Environmental sustainability.

- Economic sustainability.

- Citizen participation.

- Valorization of treated wastewater.

This Policy's main objective is to achieve, by 2045, the safe management of all wastewater generated in Costa Rica, as a guarantee that wastewater does not affect the environment or health, implementing individual or collective treatment systems so that the Costa Rican population has a safer, healthier, and more sustainable environment.

It includes a diagnosis of the state of sanitation in the country, determines the problems, and provides solutions to solve them, such as the generation of new infrastructure, the pursuit of financial sustainability of services, citizen participation, the strengthening of institutions, and standards for the integrated management of resources.

The specific objectives of this Policy are:

- Achieve the articulation of the sanitation and wastewater treatment sector in accordance with the regulatory review and the coordination and strengthening of institutions.

- Strengthen the management of ordinary and special wastewater sanitation through the utilization of current instruments and the creation of new ones, if required.

- Improve coverage in sewerage and wastewater treatment through the planning, prioritization, and execution of safe physical infrastructure with universal design.

- Improve the financial sustainability of the sanitation sector, through a comprehensive financing model, with participation with a social and permanent focus.

- Encourage citizen participation with knowledge and information for the development of a national structure that promotes adequate sanitary management of wastewater.

- National Drinking Water Policy (2017-2030, PNAP) On January 26, 2018, the National Drinking Water Policy (2017-2030, PNAP) was launched, whose objective is:

"(.) To seek access to drinking water through the protection of water resources and the strengthening of the capacities of the actors related to the provision of the service, to contribute to the health, well-being, and development of the country (.)." This Policy is based on the following approaches:

- Human Right to Drinking Water.

- Sustainable Development and Environmental Sustainability.

- Gender Equality and Equity.

- Financial and Economic Sustainability.

- Citizen Participation.

It has four axes: the promotion of a new water culture, investment in infrastructure and service, drinking water governance, and environmental management.

The new water culture aims to promote knowledge and attitudes in the population regarding the proper management of water resources. For its part, the infrastructure axis seeks to modernize facilities and invest in resilient infrastructure (with preventive and response capacity to adverse events).

Drinking water governance aims to improve social management and citizen participation, strengthen the capacities of institutions, and promote public-community and public-private partnerships to enable services where required. Finally, the environmental management axis promotes planning, monitoring of hydrographic basins and aquifers, as well as risk management for disaster reduction.

3.5 On the Regulatory Policies of Aresep for the Public Service.

Resolution RE-0231-JD-2020, "Regulatory Policy on Access to Drinking Water and Wastewater Sanitation".

On September 22, 2020, through resolution RE-0231-JD-2020, the Board of Directors of Aresep approved the "Regulatory Policy on Access to Drinking Water and Wastewater Sanitation", through which institutional policy objectives were established in the regulatory area of access to drinking water and wastewater sanitation, in order to contribute through regulatory instruments to strengthening the National Policy on access to water, not only by ensuring the supply of drinking water in conditions of quality, reliability, continuity, timeliness, and optimal provision, but also through the treatment and disposal of wastewater (which includes sewage and stormwater); so as to have a circular and comprehensive vision of this supply, considering all the technical, economic, social, and environmental aspects of the water cycle.

It should be noted that the foregoing is in accordance with subsection 53 a), which provides as one of the main duties and powers of the Board of Directors of Aresep to "Define the policy and programs of the Regulatory Authority, in accordance with the principles and objectives of this Law". Thus, the aforementioned regulatory policy on access to drinking water and wastewater sanitation constitutes a valid and effective tool to contribute to the fulfillment of the National Policies of the water sector and the fulfillment of the respective recently approved constitutional mandate. This regulatory instrument seeks to fulfill, among others, the following regulatory policy objectives contained in resolution RE-0231-JD-2020:

- Develop regulatory instruments to ensure economic accessibility:

Seek to design the tariff system considering a progressive payment regime, ensuring access to drinking water for consumers with fewer economic resources, in such a way that the dimensioning of the necessary networks favors, in the layout of their construction, consumers with greater needs to maintain their health.

- Support access to financing for necessary investments:

Support access to optimal financing for investments in aqueducts and sewerage to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of investments.

Resolution RE-0206-JD-2021, "Regulatory Policy of the Regulatory Authority of Public Services" On October 5, 2021, through resolution RE-0206-JD-2021, the Board of Directors of Aresep approved the "Regulatory Policy of the Regulatory Authority of Public Services", through which a guiding framework was established for the actions to be developed by Aresep aimed at achieving public value.

The principles of quality, cost-based services, participation, equity, inclusiveness, sustainability, universality, transparency, and efficiency are the guiding principles of this Regulatory Policy, which delineate essential properties for achieving the expected results.

The independence of actions and decisions, strengthening the procedural, technical, and legal framework that allows for decision-making adhering to legality and consistent with the public interest; objectivity and impartiality in regulatory decisions, balancing the needs of users and providers to guarantee efficiency, effectiveness, quality, equity, cost, and environmental sustainability; the constant improvement of institutional management, following best practices and the pursuit of the frontier of knowledge for the development of adapted and timely regulation to the context, following effective and efficient mechanisms valuing different regulatory approaches such as comparative regulation, seeking to achieve the public value of regulation; social dialogue and participation with different types of actors from the understanding of their multiple particularities to generate clear mechanisms for communication, interaction, and information about institutional functions and actions; the recognition of the individual and universal rights of each person to access essential public services, protecting and ensuring human development and the integrity of each person; gender equality between men and women regarding access to and enjoyment of regulated public services; and the identification of the particularities and needs of each territory at the national level in relation to regulated public services, are the 7 different approaches of this Regulatory Policy.

This Regulatory Policy also defines the pillars that will guide the regulatory actions that the Regulatory Authority of Public Services must undertake in the coming years.

Regulation with a rights-based approach as the first pillar advocates for the recognition of the diversity of users of regulated public services, with their respective characteristics, conditions, and needs immersed in the population groups framed in territories, gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and among other particularities.

For its part, regulation for the quality of public services, as the second pillar, refers to the fact that quality is the conformity of the properties or characteristics of the goods and services that make up the content of the public service in question, with ethical, legal, economic, sociocultural, and technical parameters, objective and subjective, previously established, to satisfy the intended purpose.

From the objective legal point of view, quality parameters include the principles of public service that must be fully complied with, as well as the mandatory submission of the provider to technical regulations and the voluntary acceptance of applicable technical standardization; and, from the subjective point of view, a process of continuous improvement of user satisfaction.

The Regulatory Authority shall ensure that public services are provided efficiently and effectively, ensuring that the regulation is capable of adapting in a timely manner to changes in the environment and to force majeure events. The regulation shall seek the affordability of public services for the population and shall contribute to the country's competitiveness. That is, regulation that promotes efficiency constitutes the third pillar of the Regulatory Policy.

Purposeful regulation as the fourth pillar of this Regulatory Policy refers to the fact that the regulation of public services is a complex process that must constantly confirm its public value for society. The complexity of this task is deepened within the framework of a constantly evolving reality driven by technological advances, the needs of the population, and public service provision models; therefore, to maintain its public value, the regulation must then consider these changes and adapt to maintain its relevance and proactively contribute to achieving the social and economic objectives under its responsibility.

A regulation committed to sustainable development, as the fifth pillar of this Regulatory Policy, seeks a regulation that promotes sustainable development, understood as that development capable of satisfying current needs without compromising the resources and possibilities of future generations. The concept integrates the social, environmental, and economic dimensions. In the social sphere, it requires the development of people, communities, and cultures within the framework of an adequate and equitable quality of life, health, and education. In the economic dimension, it seeks to drive equitable economic growth that does not compromise the environment.

In the environmental sphere, it requires the protection of the environment, the conservation of natural resources, and their use in a way that does not compromise the environmental solvency of future generations. For this, efforts shall be made to combat climate change through actions that promote decarbonization and the energy transition towards renewable sources.

4. JUSTIFICATION Water services are vital for the general well-being of society and strategic for national development. Access to water services constitutes a fundamental human right protected by the Political Constitution and by different normative bodies and international human rights instruments, which is why it is a national priority.

On this particular matter, it should be noted that the General Assembly of the United Nations, in its Resolution A/64/l.63/Rev.1 of July 26, 2010, "Declares the right to drinking water and sanitation as an essential human right for the full enjoyment of life and all human rights." In the same sense, the Human Rights Council reaffirms that the human right to drinking water and sanitation is derived from the right to an adequate standard of living and is inextricably linked to the right to the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health, as well as the right to life and human dignity.

For its part, the Political Constitution, in Article 50, enunciates the right to a healthy and ecologically balanced environment, which is achieved, among other factors, through the protection and conservation of the quality and quantity of water for human consumption and use to maintain the ecological balance of the biosphere as the common heritage of humanity. Recently, to this article, the express recognition of the fundamental and inalienable human right of access to drinking water and its sanitation was added, as well as its status as a public domain good, through Law N°9849 of June 5, 2020.

In this way, access to drinking water ensures the rights to life, to the health of persons—indispensable for their food, drink, and hygiene—(Article 21 of the Political Constitution) and, of course, is associated with the development and socioeconomic growth of countries to ensure every individual a decent well-being and quality of life (Article 33 of the Political Constitution and Article 11 of the Additional Protocol to the American Convention on Human Rights). The foregoing is in accordance with the case law of the Constitutional Chamber, which has issued binding resolutions recognizing as part of the Constitution, the fundamental right to drinking water, derived from the fundamental rights to health, life, a healthy environment, food, and decent housing, among others (Voto N.º 200412263, of October 29, 2004, of the Constitutional Chamber).

In addition to the foregoing, it should be noted that Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) of the United Nations Organization recognizes that sustainable water management not only includes achieving access to drinking water and adequate sanitation services (targets 6.1 and 6.2) but also implies addressing the matter in a broader context, incorporating topics such as water quality and wastewater management, water scarcity and efficient use, water resources management, and the protection and restoration of related ecosystems.

Finally, it is not omitted to indicate that, through resolution RE-0231-JD-2020 of September 22, 2020, the Board of Directors of Aresep approved the "Regulatory Policy on Access to Drinking Water and Wastewater Sanitation", through which institutional policy objectives were established in the regulatory area of access to drinking water and wastewater sanitation in order to contribute through regulatory instruments to strengthening the National Policy on access to water, not only by ensuring the supply of drinking water in conditions of quality, reliability, continuity, timeliness, and optimal provision, but also through the treatment and disposal of wastewater (which includes sewage and stormwater); so as to have a circular and comprehensive vision of this supply, considering all the technical, economic, social, and environmental aspects of the water cycle.

Therefore, this proposal to amend resolution RE-0044-JD-2019 "Tariff methodology for Aqueduct, Sewerage, and Hydrant services (MTAAH)", published in scope N° 59 to La Gaceta of March 18, 2019, will allow, through an improved regulatory instrument, to strengthen the necessary actions to guarantee the effective fulfillment of the objectives of the "Regulatory Policy on Access to Drinking Water and Wastewater Sanitation", issued by the Board of Directors of Aresep, in consideration of the recent amendment to Article 50 of the Political Constitution.

According to the 2021 National Household Survey, 73% of dwellings are connected to a septic tank, 25% connected to a sewer or drain. Meanwhile, 1% discharge water service through a natural water current (pit latrine or other similar system) and 0.28% indicate they have no sanitary service.

From the data of this survey, it is observed that in the Chorotega and Huetar Caribe regions, 100% of sewerage connections have sanitation, while in the case of Brunca it is close to 90%, and in the Central Pacific 80%. On the other hand, of the total sewerage connections in the Metropolitan Region, only 31% have it, and in Central West 30%. Regarding the ESPH, this represents 22%. The country's situation regarding sanitation is critical.

In the 2030 Agenda, sustainable development goal SDG6 is built on the basis of the human rights to water and sanitation. The goal invites each and every one of the sector's actors to review their political priorities and actions to achieve these targets established for 2030 in this global development agenda, which due to the Covid-19 pandemic may possibly see the targets deferred to more distant dates.

The UN recognized the rights to water and sanitation for all people in 2010. While this was an important step, there is still a long way to go to guarantee universal fulfillment of these rights, mainly sanitation, which to date has not had the due preponderance.

The implementation of the rights-based approach for the sanitation service, with emphasis on reducing inequalities in access through tools, pilot initiatives, and studies that allow ensuring access for the most vulnerable and normally marginalized populations, requires innovative mechanisms for its achievement.

The right to sanitation means that every person must have physical and economic access, in all spheres of life, that is safe, hygienic, socially and culturally acceptable, that provides privacy and ensures dignity. Among the cross-cutting axes of this right are non-discrimination and equality, access to information and transparency, participation, and the sustainability of the service to avoid public health and environmental problems such as the contamination of the majority of the country's rivers that serve as receiving bodies, including our coasts. In the country, all services evolve, except the sanitation service.

Therefore, financing instruments must be sought aimed at achieving the universality, sustainability, and affordability of the sanitation service for all of us who are part of the externality.

Below, this section summarizes elements that allow dimensioning the importance of access to water, sewerage, and hydrant services, the problems faced, and the regulatory challenges posed by the optimal provision of these services.

Importance of water for household well-being.

The supply of drinking water is an essential input for household tasks, given that it is required for activities such as food preparation, personal hygiene, laundry, cleaning, childcare, and care for other persons in conditions of disability, illness, or older adults. Carrying out these tasks is fundamental for the common good and the well-being of the members of each family.

According to the 2018 National Survey of Income and Expenditures (Encuesta Nacional de Ingresos y Gastos, ENIGH) 2018, household spending on services related to water supply was 1.58% of family spending and 1.01% of family income. However, if the division by income deciles is considered, that spending represented 2.78% of total spending and 5.32% of family income for households belonging to the first decile (10% of households with the lowest income); while, for the case of the tenth decile (10% of households with the highest income), it represented 0.90% of total spending and 0.41% of family income.

In general, the availability of access to potable water substantially improves the productivity and well-being of families, by enabling the production of essential domestic services. Therefore, it is fundamental to facilitate universal access to water for households, as scarcity, lack of access or availability, as well as contamination of that water resource limit social development and reduce the quality of life of individuals.

Participation of the productive sector in water consumption.

In turn, water supply is a key input for the development of productive activities and the economic development of the country. As of December 2020, the business tariff category represents 12% of water consumption in the AyA and 15% of consumption in the ESPH.

Challenges established in the Institutional Strategic Plan of Aresep.

In the Institutional Strategic Plan of Aresep (PEI) for the period from 2017 to 2022, it is established:

Define regulation instruments with factual support, sensitivity analysis, scenarios, and international comparisons that promote efficiency and innovation in the provision of public services.

Ensure compliance with the provision of public services at cost, incorporating criteria of quality, costs, social equity, environmental sustainability, and incentives for productivity that ensure the development and sustainability of the activities.

This proposal for modification of the methodology for the calculation of tariffs for the regulated aqueduct and sewerage service is oriented towards the objective of addressing what is established in the PEI, through an improvement of the current regulation instrument.

Common problems of the main providers.

Unbilled water.

Unbilled water is composed of unbilled consumption, commercial losses, and technical losses. Together, these factors constitute one of the most important challenges for the management of potable water services. Relationship between labor and capital.

It is important to note the sustained increase in labor costs in recent years, increases that reflect a change in factor intensity. In a network infrastructure industry, such as that of aqueduct and sewerage services, intensive investment in capital would be expected, representing a higher cost in capital utilization, compared to the labor costs used; however, the data show a capital-labor ratio (K/L) that has decreased in recent years, for example, for the AyA the ratio of capital cost to labor cost has gone from 1.14 in 2005 to 0.48 in 2015. Leverage and investment.

The ratio of liabilities to total assets as of December 2013 was close to 10% for AyA and 29% for ESPH, S.A. This indicates that there is room for planned and prudent use of financial leverage, in order to accelerate the investment process and avoid disproportionate increases in tariffs in the short term. Leverage is also a tool to promote greater intergenerational equity, avoiding as much as possible that the tariffs of current generations unnecessarily subsidize the following ones.

Technical and economic sustainability.

The process of planning and executing investments has been insufficient to cover the country's needs, so it is necessary to progressively close the gap originating from the backlog of investments, both in rehabilitation or replacement of systems with advanced, expired useful life, or with a high degree of deterioration, as well as in the expansion of systems to respond to the needs of adequate service and levels similar to those observed in efficient international providers.

Hydrants.

The efficient and effective execution of the Hydrant Program (Programa de Hidrantes, PHI) is indispensable to provide water in a timely and sufficient manner at the locations designated by the Benemérito Cuerpo de Bomberos de Costa Rica, thus contributing to the protection of the life and property of citizens. The estimation of resources to execute the PHI must originate from a formal planning process based on the binding requirements of said corps.

This process must be duly documented, approved by the provider, and must be informed in a timely manner to Aresep. The Regulatory Authority will grant, through the tariff, the priority and indispensable resources to cover the operation, investment, and financing actions of this program, according to the applicable legal framework.

Specific justification for the proposed changes.

The work carried out to support this proposal started from identifying improvement opportunities in the sections of total operation, maintenance, and administrative costs and expenses, return for development, tariff base and investments, as well as other considerations that clarify different parts of the tariff calculation process, without proposing fundamental changes or changes in the methodological approach that support the current resolution.

One of the proposed changes is to remove the last paragraph of section 5.3.4 of resolution RE-0044-JD-2019 "Tariff methodology for aqueduct, sewerage, and hydrant services (Metodología tarifaria para los servicios de acueducto, alcantarillado e hidrantes, MTAAH)". This paragraph indicates the following: "For all services "i", the volume to bill for the aqueduct service will be used, except for the case of sewerage, which will be adjusted by the percentage of real coverage of the service (m3 consumed by subscribers who have sewerage service, divided by the total m3 billed by the company)".

The exclusion of this paragraph is proposed based on the following arguments:

• c)The estimation of the volume of cubic meters (m3) to be used in the calculation of tariffs for all services "i" will be carried out based on a demand analysis through the use of techniques that Aresep deems appropriate, provided that such techniques are justified and comply with the statistical and econometric criteria that are established based on science, technique, and logic; as established in Article 16 of the General Public Administration Law (Ley General de la Administración Pública).

Hydrants.

• d)The specification made for the calculation of m3 for the sewerage service is eliminated from the current methodology; therefore, it is left to the technical criteria of the Water Superintendency (Intendencia de Agua) to select the mechanism it considers most appropriate to estimate said volume. In each tariff study, this estimation must be justified, duly motivated, and traceable.

In summary, the main proposed changes and their due justification are the following:

| TOPIC 1 Projection of expenditure on salaries (remunerations) | | --- | | RE-0044-JD-2019. | | This expenditure must be projected, for which, the base data starts from the last data of period "t-1", coming from regulatory accounting and is projected; based on the expected annual inflation, from the Macroeconomic Program of BCCR, to obtain the data for the next 5 years, finally, new justified additions approved by the IA are included. | | PROPOSAL. | | The minimum wage decree or the salary policy established by the provider is used as a reference; the instrument used as a reference must be provided by the provider. Both the salary policy and the calculations derived from the use of these instruments must be justified technically, legally, and financially. | | JUSTIFICATION. | | It is a modification that improves the way of making salary projections. In principle, salary adjustments are below inflation adjustments, so the proposal aims to avoid automatic indexation of the item. |

| PROPOSAL. | | --- | | Greater detail of the cost components that are part of the COMA is included, for example: "EPIiet = Costs and expenses for pre-investment studies of projects..."; "PAiet = Expenses for amortizable items..."; "Gper= Expense for loss on retirement of assets...". Furthermore, the component "OGiet = Other costs or expenses incurred by the operators, necessary to provide the service. It comprises any cost associated with the provision of the service that is not included in the accounts described above in the variables of the formula" is eliminated. | | JUSTIFICATION. | | It is a reformulation of cost items. Cost components that are already considered in the current tariff methodology, but were in an aggregated and implicit manner, are made explicit. | | TOPIC 3 Projections with inflation | | --- | | RE-0044-JD-2019. | | The specification indicates: ".must be projected . based on the expected annual inflation of the Macroeconomic Program of BCCR." | | PROPOSAL. | | ". For the projections of local monthly indices, the inflation target at its minimum value of the tolerance range, published by the Banco Central de Costa Rica in its Macroeconomic Program (latest available update), will be used." | | JUSTIFICATION. | | It implies a textual change in the reference variable. It corresponds to the formalization of the variable that is normally used in tariff settings. | | TOPIC 4 Formalization of the update by indices | | --- | | RE-0044-JD-2019. | | It is not formalized | | PROPOSAL. | | The method of projecting costs and expenses by means of indices is formalized, with the definition of the local update index, external update index, and | | composite update index for the projections of total operation, maintenance, and administration costs and expenses. | | --- | | JUSTIFICATION. | | It corresponds to the formalization of a process that is currently carried out in tariff settings, but was not explicitly indicated as a projection method. | | TOPIC 5 Equivalence to colones of rates and cost of equity | | --- | | RE-0044-JD-2019. | | No processes for colonization of the return are defined | | PROPOSAL. | | A procedure to perform equivalence to colones of rates in dollars or in other currencies different from the colón is included | | -Equivalence to colones of the cost of equity | | JUSTIFICATION. | | "These equations respond to a formalization of current processes and in application at the IA, leading to an improvement in the drafting of the current methodology. | | The approach defines aspects such as: source of information, periods of analysis or reference, use of currencies other than USD and colón, among others. | | It is required to review the processes applied in applications of the current methodology, to verify that the periods, sources, and the process of dollarizing all currencies -including the colón- coincide." | | TOPIC 6 Tariff base | | --- | | RE-0044-JD-2019. | | The tariff base is defined in formula 6 as equal to the average revalued net fixed assets in operation of service or activity "i" of company "e" for period "t". | | PROPOSAL. | | The tariff base is composed of the average revalued net fixed assets in operation intended for the provision of the service plus working capital. (It is defined in formula 14). | | JUSTIFICATION. | | It is widely applied in economic regulation to recognize, in the calculation of tariffs, an amount corresponding to the working capital that the company needs to operate as part of the value of the tariff base. | | --- | | TOPIC 7 Revaluation of assets | | RE-0044-JD-2019. | | The revaluation of assets (equation 12) is proposed through the application of a composite asset revaluation index (equation 13) that is estimated from the sum of the local index (equation 14) and the external index (equation 15). | | The formulas consider variables such as the exchange rate, national price indices, external price indices, among others. | | PROPOSAL. | | The revaluation of assets is carried out in accordance with the application of NIIF standards. The value of the Revalued Fixed Asset (Activo Fijo Revaluado, AFR) will be kept constant in the periods in which no revaluations are carried out, except for the inclusion of the effect of retirements and transfers of assets. That is, the AFR will be updated by concept of revaluation only when the provider's assets are valued in accordance with the applicable NIIF regulations. | | In other words, the revaluation of assets by means of price indices ceases to be the sole and express mechanism used to revalue assets. | | JUSTIFICATION. | | It moves from considering the revaluation of assets solely by means of price indices, to, with the current proposal, according to the application of NIIF criteria, monitoring that there is no significant difference between the accounting records and the fair value; if there is, a reasoned and justified study is carried out. | | TOPIC 8 Accumulated depreciation of revalued fixed assets (Depreciación acumulada de los activos fijos revaluados, DAFR) | | --- | | RE-0044-JD-2019. | | In the formulation of the DAFR, the revaluation of the depreciation of the net additions of revalued fixed assets (RevDep) is included. | | PROPOSAL. | | In the formulation of the DAFR, the revaluation of the depreciation of the net additions of revalued fixed assets (RevDep) is not included because this revaluation is carried out by means of revaluation indices and with the application of NIIF standards, this effect is already included in the fair value. | | JUSTIFICATION. | | --- | | In the current methodology, the revaluation of the depreciations of net additions is considered; in this proposal, this item is eliminated given that the corresponding amounts are included in the revaluation itself. | | TOPIC 9 Percentage of execution of investments | | --- | | RE-0044-JD-2019. | | The percentage of execution of the recognized investments is estimated from the quantity of works built and equipment installed during the year -period t-; being the quotient between the investments executed and those recognized by the IA. | | PROPOSAL. | | The percentage of execution of the recognized investments is estimated as the average of the quotient between the investments executed and those recognized by the IA for 5 years (base year and 4 previous years). | | JUSTIFICATION. | | The objective of adjusting the way of estimating the percentage of execution of investments is to avoid that abrupt changes in that execution cause instability in the current tariffs. | | TOPIC 10 Volume of water to bill (sewerage) | | --- | | RE-0044-JD-2019. | | For all services "i", the volume to bill for the aqueduct service will be used, except for the case of sewerage, which will be adjusted by the percentage of real service coverage (m3 consumed by subscribers who have sewerage service, divided by the total m3 billed by the company). | | PROPOSAL. | | Eliminate paragraph in this proposal. | | JUSTIFICATION. | | The detailed description of the calculations to determine the volume of water to bill in the sewerage service is eliminated, and space is left for the analysis and technical justification that the IA must carry out when making the calculations and analyses required for tariff setting, both for aqueducts and for sewerage and hydrants. | 5. OBJECTIVES 5.1. General objective of the methodology Update the current tariff instrument to introduce improvements in the methods for determining the income, costs, and return for development necessary for the supply of the regulated service "i" (aqueduct, sewerage, and hydrants).

5.2. Specific objectives of the methodology a. Introduce improvements and updates to the ordinary and extraordinary tariff setting procedure, for each of the regulated services "i", which contribute to improving the provision of the service.

b. Estimate the total costs and demand of service "i" for the period in which the new tariff setting will be in force.

6. SCOPE The scope of the result obtained by the application of this methodology shall be extended to:

a. The entire national territory for the regulated public services: (i) aqueduct, (ii) sewerage, and (iii) hydrants, except for services provided by municipalities. Therefore, it applies to the AyA, the ESPH, and any other operator legally authorized to provide the service and that meets the conditions established in this model.

b. Ordinary tariff settings.

c. Extraordinary tariff settings for the update of the regulation levy. In this case, the provisions of section 8. "Update of the regulation levy via extraordinary procedure" shall apply.

d. The determination of the total cost and the average cost of service "i" to be applied in the new tariff setting.

7. GENERAL MODEL This tariff methodology delimits and specifies the rules to calculate the expected revenues sufficient to meet the regulatory costs and expenses necessary for the provision of the service plus an amount of return for development (Detailed in equation 29), for each ordinary setting for the services of (i) aqueduct, (ii) sewerage, and (iii) hydrants; and in extraordinary settings for modification of the regulation levy.

Applications for tariff settings subject to the application of the ordinary methodology shall be submitted to the public hearing process, with the deadlines and requirements of this type of process in accordance with Articles 36 and 37 of Law No. 7593 (Ley N° 7593) and its amendments, both for applications filed by service providers or other actors empowered by Law, and for ex officio applications by Aresep.

Public consultation is the citizen participation mechanism to which applications of the extraordinary methodology must be submitted. For this, the procedure established in Article 361 of the General Public Administration Law (Ley General de Administración Pública) or the one in force for public consultations of the Regulatory Authority shall be applied. For purposes of the 15 calendar-day period established in Article 43 of Executive Decree 29732-MP (Regulations to the Law 7593) or the standard that replaces it at the time of application of the methodology, the date of publication of the call for public consultation in La Gaceta shall be taken as the initiation date of the procedure.

To determine the expected revenues, the calculation of the following components is required: a) total costs and expenses necessary for the provision of the service, b) return for development, c) tariff base, d) volume of water to bill, e) demand estimation.

This proposal is established based on the rate of return methodology and the concept of service at efficient cost, such that it defines how to calculate the expected revenues sufficient to meet the costs and expenses necessary for the provision of the service, which are incurred in an efficient operation of the regulated activity, plus an amount of return for development that allows a competitive compensation on the invested capital and adequate development of the activity. These expected revenues must seek the balance between the needs of users and the interests of the public service providers.

The results of the application of the previous concepts will allow the calculation of an average total price or tariff, which is the fundamental basis for the calculation of the tariff structure that the Water Superintendency (Intendencia de Agua) will subsequently define. Elements such as necessary investments and the levels of indebtedness associated with such investments impact the tariff calculation through the items of depreciation, financial expenses, and the tariff base; these values are required, in turn, for the calculation of the absolute value of the profitability necessary for the efficient and effective operation of the regulated service. This methodology is not based on cash flow criteria and its analysis.

Data from the Financial Statements must be Audited, separated by service, and standardized to the reports established in the Regulatory Accounting of the Water Superintendency and to NIIF standards. In cases where the impossibility of complying at that time with NIIF standards is duly argued and justified, the Water Superintendency shall define a gradual compliance plan. These information reports must be attached at the time of submitting the tariff adjustment request in an editable and traceable format. If information other than that included in the Financial Statements is used, its source must be indicated.

The application of the described model requires the review, cleansing, and calculation of the economic, accounting, financial, engineering, and statistical information for the base period to be used in this methodology. The base period will be represented by the variable "t=0" and is the analysis period considered in the study of revenues, costs, expenses, and return, as the period that supports all tariff calculations, a period defined as the most recent one for which duly audited financial statements are available.

Thus, the base period provides the base information or main input for the estimates and projections required for the following periods of the analysis of the tariff request or the ex officio study, namely: t=0 = Is the annual base period, defined based on it being the year for which the most recent audited financial statement is available. This base period provides the input information for the estimates or projections of revenues, costs, expenses, and return, which are required to configure the tariff calculations for the following periods included in the analysis of the tariff request. Data from the audited financial statements, as well as other non-accounting data, but associated with that base period, necessarily require analysis and acceptance by Aresep.

For data from sources of information other than accounting, they correspond to the value or values observed, recorded, and reported by the service provider, analyzed and accepted by Aresep. t=1 = Transition period that runs from the first calendar day immediately following period t=0 until the date on which the validity of the new tariff begins. If this period is less than a calendar year or the fiscal period, the respective calculations must be made to annualize the data with the current tariffs and with the new approved tariffs. It may be that (t=1) + (t=2) is the calendar year immediately following t=0. The case may also occur in which the transition period (t=1) spans several calendar years; this can happen when the company does not present audited financial statements for several years.

t=2 = Initial period in which the tariff adjustment will be in force, it runs from the date on which the validity of the new tariff begins, until the end of that calendar year.

t=3 = First complete annual period in which the recommended and approved tariff adjustment will be in force, it comprises a complete calendar year immediately following t=2.

7.1. Total operation, maintenance, and administration costs and expenses (COMAiet) These are operational, maintenance, and administrative costs and expenses that are indispensable to provide service "i", of provider "e" for period "t", as defined by the Regulatory body. All costs and expenses must be justified. The most important source of information for the calculation of the baseline is the consolidated Audited Financial Statements. Based on this information and with what is established in the Regulatory Accounting, the separation of costs by activity and account and subaccount levels shall be carried out. In cases where the nature of the required information forces the use of other sources of information, the use of said source must be technically justified. The components of COMAiet are detailed in the following equation:

Equation 1 Where:

COMAiet = Total costs and expenses of operation, maintenance, administration, and other indispensable costs and expenses incurred by the providers to provide service "i", of provider "e", for period "t". The recognized costs and expenses must guarantee the provider the sustainability, continuity, and quality of the regulated service.

OyMiet = Operation and maintenance costs and expenses incurred by the providers to provide service "i", of provider "e", for period "t". Among other cost items, this item must incorporate the following costs: Costs for potabilization (operation and maintenance of potabilization systems, purchase of chemical products) and costs related to operational quality control of the product (internal management, purchase of reagents for parameter measurement directly by the provider).

It is projected using the index update method, with the exception of particular expenses that are updated using criteria defined in section 7.1.1., called "Projection methodology for total operation, maintenance, and administration costs and expenses".

For non-recurring costs or expenses, it is verified that they actually are so and that they are justified; the non-recurring items must be clearly identified in the tariff adjustment request. If the justification provided by the provider does not demonstrate their relationship with the service, they are excluded.

ADMINiet = Administrative costs and expenses. They represent the proportion of the costs and expenses of support units or departments allocated to service "i", of provider "e", for period "t".

For non-recurring costs or expenses, it is verified that they actually are so and that they are justified; the non-recurring items must be clearly identified in the tariff adjustment request. If the justification provided by the provider does not demonstrate their relationship with the service, they are excluded.

The regulated providers must provide the duly justified proposal that details the different drivers for the distribution of the expense; otherwise, Aresep will define the general way of distributing the costs for the respective tariff analysis. The provider shall previously establish a methodology for distributing costs and expenses within the activities of the regulated entity, and must supply to Aresep said methodology for the distribution of costs and expenses used, in order to give transparency to the data used for the tariff calculation. This may use different drivers according to the nature of the item, including: that referring to joint expenses and costs (e.g., general plant) and those that are specific to the service according to regulatory accounting separated by service.

? Revenues.

? Number of employees.

? Square meters of area used.

? Salaries (labor).

? Service demand.

? Others.

EPIiet = Costs and expenses for pre-investment studies of projects. In this phase, it is unknown whether these projects will be executed. It includes activities related to the feasibility of potential projects or works to be built. It is projected using the index update method, considering service "i", of provider "e", for period "t".

Cregiet = Regulation levy. Amount authorized by the Comptroller General of the Republic (Contraloría General de la República, CGR), as payment for regulation services. For its allocation, the percentage contribution of the revenues of service "i", of provider "e", for period "t", with respect to total revenues is considered. Its update shall be carried out via the extraordinary price adjustment procedure, once the Comptroller General of the Republic has published the respective update of the levies.

DEPiet = Depreciation expense. It is the amount resulting from applying the depreciation method defined for each case according to the depreciation tables established by Aresep, for each service "i", of provider "e", for period "t". It is obtained from the sum of the depreciation at cost (Detailed in equation 23) and the revalued depreciation of the period (Detailed in equation 26).

For any other case in which the information required to apply the depreciation method is not found, recourse shall be made to review the equivalent tables of the Ministry of Finance (Ministerio de Hacienda) and, as a last resort, the technical specifications of the asset manufacturer regarding useful life and salvage value.

PAiet = Expenses for amortizable items. It corresponds to the expense for software and licenses according to the useful life, time in use, and acquisition amount. In general, it considers the amortization of intangibles for each service "i", of provider "e", for period "t".

Gperiet = Expenses for losses from asset retirements to provide service "i", of provider "e", for period "t". This account records the losses incurred upon retiring a productive asset.

SGiet = Insurance expense. This account records insurance contracts for each service "i", of provider "e", for period "t".

GCOMERiet = Expense for commercial services to provide service "i", of provider "e", for period "t". These correspond to expenses for Meter Reading, Billing, Collection, and Customer Service, and any other expense of this nature, with the different subaccounts cited in the previous accounts, as established in the Regulatory Accounting.

GCALIDADiet = Expense incurred for the quality control of the product and service through independent laboratory services, technically and administratively separate from the public service provider, which have tests duly accredited by the Costa Rican Accreditation Entity (Ente Costarricense de Acreditación, ECA), to guarantee compliance with current regulations, incurred by the operator to provide service "i", of operator "e", for period "t".

GELECTRiet = Expense for electricity in operational maintenance, administrative, commercial, and quality processes to provide service "i", of provider "e", for period "t".

GIMPUESTOiet = Expense for fees and taxes incurred to provide service "i", of provider "e", for period "t". It corresponds, among others, to Value Added Tax (Impuesto al Valor Agregado, IVA) expenses or any other expense of this nature that is established in the Regulatory Accounting.

i = Regulated public service (aqueduct, sewerage, hydrants).

e = Provider of the public service regulated by Aresep.

t = Annual periods of the tariff calculation, "t=0" is the base period.

The variable "t" takes values of 0, 1, 2, and 3.

7.1.1. Projection methodology for total operation, maintenance, and administration costs and expenses The projection of the costs indicated above is performed using two types of methods: updating with a local or external index, according to the origin of the corresponding expense for most expense items; or using specific criteria for some particular items. These methods are detailed in sections 7.1.1.1. and 7.1.1.2.

7.1.1.1. Updating by indices In these cases, updates are performed using the index that best fits the expenses and costs being analyzed, which must be justified and correspond to a variation thereof over time. According to the nature of the account, three types of updates may be applied: one completely local, one completely external, or one that is a combination of local and external components, which will depend on the proportions of each of the above in the expenses and costs to be updated.

7.1.1.1.A. Local update index It is applied when expenses are incurred within the country and are not affected by exchange rate variations or external inflation. The local update factor is obtained according to the following equation:

Equation 2 Where:

𝐅𝐀𝐋𝐭 = Local update factor for period "t".

𝐈𝐏𝐗𝐋𝐭 = Average local price index for period "t". It is the average local price index of the year for which the calculation is performed, estimated by the simple arithmetic mean of the monthly price indices of the year for which the calculation is performed.

𝐈𝐏𝐗𝐋(𝐭?𝟏) = Average local price index for the period immediately preceding period "t". It is the average local price index of the previous year for which the calculation is performed. It is obtained as a simple arithmetic mean of the monthly price indices of the year prior to the one used in the numerator.

L = Local t = Annual periods of the tariff calculation, "t=0" is the base period.

The variable "t" takes values of 0, 1, 2, and 3.

For updating using the local factor, the Costa Rican price index that best fits the variable to be updated will be selected, for which the respective technical justification must be provided. It should be noted that, for each projection, the base value and the index to be used must be justified; after verification of the appropriate use of these values, the resulting projection is considered justified, once the corresponding arithmetic calculation is verified.

For the projections of the local monthly indices, the minimum inflation target value of the tolerance range, published by the Central Bank of Costa Rica (Banco Central de Costa Rica) in its Macroeconomic Program (latest available update), will be used.

For cases of FALt where "t" takes values of 2 and 3, the sequence of using in the numerator the data for the year of the calculation and in the denominator that of the respective immediately preceding year is maintained.

To project the monthly indices using the inflation target, the data must be adjusted to monthly values, using the following form:

Equation 3 Where:

MI? = Monthly inflation target MI? = Annualized inflation target. The minimum inflation target value of the tolerance range published by the Central Bank of Costa Rica (Banco Central de Costa Rica) in its Macroeconomic Program (latest available update).

? = Monthly ? = Annual 7.1.1.1.B. External update index The external update factor is applied when the expense and cost items are linked to purchases abroad or have a high external component; in this case, the factor weights the variation in the exchange rate (colones must be converted to United States of America dollars (USD)) and external inflation. The calculation is performed as follows:

Equation 4 Where:

𝐅𝐀𝐄𝐭 = External update factor for period "t".

𝐈𝐏𝐗𝐄𝐭 = Average external price index for period "t". It is the average external price index of the year for which the calculation is performed, estimated by the simple arithmetic mean of the monthly price indices of the year for which the calculation is performed.

𝐈𝐏𝐗𝐄(𝐭?𝟏) = Average external price index for the period immediately preceding period "t". It is the average external price index of the previous year for which the calculation is performed. It is obtained as a simple arithmetic mean of the monthly price indices of the year prior to the one used in the numerator.

Tcvt = Average Selling Exchange Rate (CRC/USD) for the year for which the tariff calculation is performed. If the data are historical, they must be those reported by the Central Bank of Costa Rica (Banco Central de Costa Rica); if they are estimates or projections, they will be those validated by the Water Regulator (Intendencia de Agua, IA). It is calculated as the arithmetic mean of the daily data available for year t, where t can take values of 0, 1, 2, and 3.

Tcvt-1 = Average Selling Exchange Rate (CRC/USD) for the year prior to the one for which the tariff calculation is performed. If the data are historical, they refer to those reported by the Central Bank of Costa Rica (Banco Central de Costa Rica); if they are estimates or projections, they will be those validated by the Water Regulator (Intendencia de Agua, IA). It is calculated as the arithmetic mean of the daily data available for the year prior to the one used in the numerator.

E = External.

t = Annual periods of the tariff calculation, "t=0" is the base period.

The variable "t" takes values of 0, 1, 2, and 3.

For the external price index, the price indices of the United States of America will be used; the data are taken from the website of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (http://www.bls.gov) of the United States of America. The price index that best fits the updating of expenses and costs will be selected, for which the respective technical justification must be provided. For the projection of the external monthly indices, the year-over-year variation of the index for the last available month of information is used. To project the monthly indices using the year-over-year variation, the data must be adjusted to monthly values, using the following form:

Equation 5 Where:

VI? = Monthly year-over-year variation.

VI? = Annualized year-over-year variation. The year-over-year variation of the index for the last available month of the external price index from the price indices of the United States of America; the data are taken from the website of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (http://www.bls.gov) of the United States of America.

? = Monthly.

? = Annual.

In the event of significant variations in the economic environment, due to fortuitous events or force majeure duly justified, and where an official price index for the United States of America cannot be obtained, its equivalent from a globally relevant economic zone may be used; for this, the variables expressed in USD will be converted to the reference currency of the selected zone according to the average exchange rate for the year for which the tariff calculation is performed.

7.1.1.1.C. Composite update index The update indices calculated previously are weighted according to the relative share of the local and external components of the expenses and costs, estimated using the following equation:

Equation 6 Where:

𝑭𝑨𝑺𝒕 = Composite update factor for period "t".

𝐅𝐀𝐋𝐭 = Local update factor for period "t". It is detailed in equation 2.

%𝐋𝐠 = Relative share of the local expense component.

𝐅𝐀𝐄 𝐭 = External update factor for period "t". It is detailed in equation 4.

%𝐄𝐠 = Relative share of the external expense component.

L = Local.

E = External.

t = Annual periods of the tariff calculation, "t=0" is the base period.

The variable "t" takes values of 0, 1, 2, and 3.

The provider will define the percentage of relative share between the internal and external components, for which, in each case, it must periodically perform the corresponding updates of these components, indicate the criteria used in the weighting, and attach the respective technical justification.

7.1.1.2. Specific criteria for particular items In the projection of the expenses and costs indicated in section 7.1.1., specific criteria may be used, according to the nature of the expenses and costs, criteria that will be validated by the Water Regulator (Intendencia de Agua, IA) according to science, technique, and logic, as well as the applicable current regulations.

The specific aspects for each expense and cost herein indicated must be considered for the projection with specific criteria or for the projection by means of update indices, when no additional specific projection criterion is established.

Salary expenses. Includes amounts for salary remuneration and associated social charges. The minimum wage decree or the salary policy established by the provider is used as a reference; the instrument used as a reference must be provided by the provider. Both the salary policy and the calculations derived from the use of these instruments must be technically, legally, and financially justified. Regulated providers must present the salary item (base salaries and their components, when it has this disaggregation), and the social charges, separated in the tariff income statement. Furthermore, they must present the reconciliation of salaries with those reported to the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (Caja Costarricense del Seguro Social, CCSS). If these records affect other sectors, information must be provided for them.

New hires: The maximum ceiling for payroll growth will be defined by the growth percentage of sales in physical units of the regulated service, its coverage area (área de cobertura), and number of users. The increase to be recognized as new positions is obtained from the product of the existing number of employees multiplied by the growth percentage of sales in physical units, coverage area, and number of users of the regulated service. To calculate the salary that will be applied to those new positions, the corresponding salary and its social charges for each of the new posts requested in the tariff study will be taken. In the event of a decrease in sales in physical units of the regulated service, new positions may be included in the tariff calculation subject to the presentation of the respective technical justification, which will be analyzed by Aresep.

Contracted services or contracts with third parties: This is incorporated once the reasonableness of the amount indicated in the contract is justified and demonstrated, and the established payments are assessed based on technical criteria and adjustment equations. In these cases, the provided contract, its validity, the form of the updates, and the amounts are reviewed; the cost reflected in these contracts, as well as their updates, may be incorporated as a basis for estimation. Otherwise, the same value from the base year used in the tariff estimation is maintained.

Insurance expenses: Regulated providers must present the detail of each of the insurance policies they hold, attaching copies of the contracts and payments made in the base year and the payment estimates for the projected years, the allocation criteria for common-use policies, and any other information considered relevant.

The information to be reported must be in accordance with the provisions of the International Financial Reporting Standards (NIIF) on insurance contracts or, accordingly, the international standard that is eventually adopted at the national level. In addition, the provider must ensure the availability and updating of the details of insurance contracts, auxiliary records, the follow-up policies for those contracts, among other measures that guarantee the transparency and traceability of its records.

Depreciation expense (DEPiet): The straight-line depreciation method must be used, as this assumes that the asset undergoes constant wear over time, for which the asset value and its residual value are considered; the depreciable base of the asset is distributed over its useful life (vida útil), this proportion corresponds to the depreciation expense in a given period. Depreciation tables previously endorsed by (1) Aresep, (2) the Ministry of Finance (Ministerio de Hacienda), and (3) as a last resort, the indications associated with the depreciation concept issued by the asset manufacturer must be used. From the information provided, it must be possible to identify depreciation by asset type.

If such information is not attached, a maximum useful life of 3 years will be used.

GCALIDADiet =. These will be estimated based on the requirements of current regulations, the rates established by professional associations, and by indices according to the specific characteristic of the expense.

GELECTRiet = Corresponds to the electricity expense. The expense base for the projection is obtained by the simple average of the last two years with information from the audited financial statements corresponding to period "t=0" and its immediately preceding year, and is projected with the indicator that best fits its behavior or according to what is established in the index projection methodology.

GIMPUESTOiet = Corresponds to the expense for fees and taxes, including the Value Added Tax (Impuesto al Valor Agregado, IVA), which the service provider must assume. The information from the audited financial statements is considered as the base, and to project this expense, the text of the Law and Regulations that created them is applied to the last data of the period ("t=0"). In the case of the IVA Expense, this is equivalent to the expense that is not recognized as deductible as a tax credit by the Ministry of Finance (Ministerio de Hacienda), after applying the "Prorrata" (Pro-rating) indicated by Law 9635 and the Regulation corresponding to Title I of the Tax Methodology.

7.2. Return for development (RDiet) The return for development (rédito para el desarrollo) is calculated by multiplying the rate of return for development by the tariff base, with the objective of providing the provider with resources that allow a competitive return and guarantee the adequate development of the activity.

The return for development is calculated as follows:

Equation 7 Where:

RDiet = Return for development of service "i", of provider "e", for period "t".

TRiet = Rate of return for development of service "i", of provider "e", for period "t". It is obtained by applying the Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC). It is detailed in equation 8.

𝐁𝐓𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Tariff base of service "i", of provider "e", for period "t".

The tariff base is composed of the total value of the average net fixed assets in operation revalued (AFNORP) plus working capital (CT). It is detailed in equation 14.

i = Regulated service (aqueduct, sewerage, and hydrants).

e = Provider of services regulated by Aresep.

t = Annual periods of the tariff calculation, "t=0" is the base period.

The variable "t" takes values of 0, 1, 2, and 3.

7.2.1. Rate of return for development The calculation of the rate of return for development is performed by applying the Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC) as shown in the following algebraic expression. To make a tariff request, the service provider is required to attach the information for all the variables that make up the calculation of the rate of return for development (TRiet) for the base year t=0, and this value will remain constant during t=1, t=2, and t=3, because information is not available for the projection of all the variables.

Equation 8 Where:

TRiet = Rate of return for development of service "i", of provider "e", for period "t".

rdiet = Rate of financed capital of service "i", of provider "e", for period "t". It is the cost of debt, calculated as a weighted average interest rate. See the procedure to obtain this rate, as detailed in section 7.2.1.1. called "Cost of debt." 𝐦iet = Tax rate of service "i", of provider "e", for period "t". It is assumed to be zero (0), according to agreement 15-149-99 of the Board of Directors (Junta Directiva) of the Regulatory Authority (acta de la Sesión 149-99 of August 19, 1999) or whatever the Board of Directors establishes at the time.

𝐤𝐩iet = Rate of own capital of service "i", of provider "e", for period "t". It is the cost of own capital contributions. To calculate this variable, the Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM) is used; see the procedure to obtain this rate, as detailed in section 7.2.1.2. called "Cost of own capital contributions." Diet = Value of the debt of service "i", of provider "e", for period "t". Only obligations with a financial cost for service "i" are considered. This data is obtained from the Regulatory Accounting and supplementary information thereto, as established by Aresep.

Kiet = Value of the capital corresponding to own resources or equity of service "i", of provider "e", for period "t". This data is obtained from the Regulatory Accounting and supplementary information thereto, as established by Aresep.

Aiet = Defined as the sum of debt and equity (Diet + Kiet) of service "i", of provider "e", for period "t". This data is obtained from the Regulatory Accounting and supplementary information thereto, as established by Aresep.

Diet/Aiet = Percentage of capital financed with debt of service "i", of provider "e", for period "t". Only obligations with a financial cost for service "i" are considered.

Kiet/Aiet = Percentage of capital corresponding to own resources of service "i", of provider "e", for period "t". The total equity accounting account for service "i" is considered.

i = Regulated service (aqueduct, sewerage, hydrants).

e = Provider of services regulated by Aresep.

t = Annual periods of the tariff calculation, "t=0" is the base period.

For this case, in t=1, t=2, and t=3, the value of t=0 will be kept constant.

7.2.1.1. Cost of debt To obtain the cost of debt, the weighted average of the sum of financial expenses for interest payments divided by the total debt is calculated. These financial expenses are the product of obligations formalized through official documents, payable to financial entities. The following formula is applied for its estimation.

Equation 9 Where:

rdiet = Rate of financed capital of service "i", of provider "e", for period "t". It is the cost of debt, calculated as a weighted average interest rate.

𝐃𝐰𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Amount of each debt "w" of service "i", of provider "e", for period "t". It is the amount of the long-term obligation with financial cost "w" formalized through official documents.

The amount of each loan is associated with each of the long-term liabilities with a financial cost and is obtained from the Audited Financial Statements and homologated to the reports established in the Regulatory Accounting of the Water Regulator (Intendencia de Agua) and supplementary information thereto, as established by Aresep. This variable, being taken from the financial statements and regulatory accounting, is expressed in colones.

𝐑𝐰𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Interest rate of each debt "w" of service "i", of provider "e", for period "t". It is the interest rate of the balances of long-term liabilities with a financial cost, in colones or equivalent to colones, product of obligations formalized through official documents. The interest rate data is obtained from the contracts with the creditor of the debt, or from the Audited Financial Statements and homologated to the reports established in the Regulatory Accounting of the Water Regulator (Intendencia de Agua) and supplementary information thereto, as established by Aresep.

When the interest rate of the debt is expressed in dollars or in a currency other than the colón, the procedure described in section 7.2.1.1.A. called "Procedure to convert rates in dollars or in currencies other than the colón to colón equivalent" must be applied to obtain the colón equivalent, and the result obtained for "Rwiet" is incorporated into this equation.

w = Each obligation with a financial cost that is pending payment for period "t".

Q = Total long-term obligations with a financial cost that are pending payment for period "t".

i = Regulated service (aqueduct, sewerage, hydrants).

e = Provider of services regulated by Aresep.

t = Annual periods of the tariff calculation, "t=0" is the base period.

For this case, in t=1, t=2, and t=3, the value of t=0 will be kept constant.

The provider must deliver the Audited Financial Statements corresponding to the fiscal period of the previous year, homologated to the reports established in the Regulatory Accounting of the Water Regulator (Intendencia de Agua), to Aresep no later than June 30 of each year, through an electronic version detailing the procedure followed by the provider. 7.2.1.1.A. Procedure to convert rates in dollars or in currencies other than the colón to colón equivalent To calculate the colón-equivalent rate of debts that are in dollars, the Covered Interest Rate Parity theory is used, which establishes that the difference in interest rates is equal to the future variation of the exchange rate, expressed in the following equation:

Equation 10 Where:

Rwiet = Interest rate of each debt "w" of service "i", of provider "e", for period "t".

𝐓𝐈𝐰𝐢𝐞𝐭$ = Interest rate of the balances of long-term liabilities with a financial cost, in dollars or dollar equivalent, of debt "w" of service "i", of provider "e", for period "t". It is the interest rate of long-term liabilities with a financial cost, in dollars or dollar equivalent, product of obligations formalized through official documents. The interest rate data is obtained from the contracts with the creditor of the debt, or the data from the Regulatory Accounting and supplementary information thereto, as established by Aresep.

VTC¢$ = Rate of the expected variation (market expectation) of the colón against the dollar for the tariff adjustment. The variation is estimated using the data on "market exchange rate variation expectations at 12 months" of the colón against the dollar, corresponding to the latest data available at the time of performing the estimation or tariff calculation, as applicable, published by the BCCR. The result of this value is taken for t=0, and this value is maintained for t=1, t=2, and t=3.

w = Each obligation with a financial cost that is pending payment for period "t".

¢ = Costa Rican colones.

$ = United States of America dollars (USD).

i = Regulated service (aqueduct, sewerage, hydrants).

e = Provider of services regulated by Aresep.

t = Annual periods of the tariff calculation, "t=0" is the base period.

For this case, in t=1, t=2, and t=3, the value of t=0 will be kept constant.

The result of this equation for each debt "w" must be incorporated into the calculation of equation 9.

In the event that the debt is presented in a currency other than the dollar (or the colón), its equivalence must first be expressed in dollars; for this, the information on the "Exchange rate of the U.S. dollar against other currencies" published by the BCCR must be used, and the corresponding variation rate is estimated for the 12 months prior to the latest data available at the time of performing the estimation or tariff calculation, as applicable. Once the rate is dollarized, it must be converted to colones following the indications in equation 10.

In the event that the required information from the reference source is not available, other similar information sources may be used, provided that their reliability is qualified and assessed, and their use is technically justified.

7.2.1.2. Cost of own capital contributions The CAPM is used to estimate the cost of own capital. This model is based on considering that changes in the return of an asset are related to the risk associated with it and can be separated into two major components: the risk related to the market as a whole (systemic risk) and that derived from specific investments (specific risk).

To estimate the cost of own capital "kpiet", the colón equivalent of the result of the CAPM application must be expressed, given that the information used is based on rates expressed in U.S. dollars. It is considered necessary to perform a colón equivalence, since the part of equation 8 (WACC) that makes up the debt "rdiet" is expressed in colones. Therefore, it is proposed to use, analogously, the covered interest rate parity. Said "parity condition establishes that the differential between the interest rate in local currency and in foreign currency is equal to the expected exchange rate variation (Durán & Tenorio, 2008, p. 8)"15, the foregoing is also consistent with that proposed by Rojas (1997)16, who in turn indicates:

15 Durán, R., & Tenorio, E. (2008). Costa Rica: sensibilidad del capital de cartera al premio e implicaciones para la política económica (1991-2007). San José, Costa Rica: BCCR.

16 Rojas, Á. (1997). Descomposición del Diferencial de Tasas de Interés entre Chile y el Extranjero: 1992-1996. Santiago, Chile: Documento de Trabajo N° 22: Banco Central de Chile.

"The covered interest rate parity establishes that, since there are capital flows at an international level free of all types of restrictions, then, the returns on a domestic or foreign investment will tend to equalize, when measured in a common currency. Another way of specifying covered parity is to point out that the interest rate differential between two identical assets in every respect, except the currency of denomination, should be zero, once the exchange rate risk coverage in the corresponding forward market has been made." (Rojas, 1997, p. 7).

Therefore, this equivalence is expressed as follows:

Equation 11 Where:

kpiet = Rate of own capital of service "i", of provider "e", for period "t".

𝐤𝐩𝐢𝐞𝐭$ = Rate of own capital of service "i", of provider "e", for period "t", in United States of America dollars (USD)".

VTC¢$ = Rate of expected variation (market expectation) of the colón against the dollar for the rate adjustment. The variation is estimated using the "12-month market exchange rate variation expectations" of the colón against the dollar, corresponding to the latest data available at the time of performing the estimation or rate calculation, as applicable, published by the BCCR. The result of this value is taken for t=0 and this value remains constant for t=1, t=2, and t=3.

¢ = Costa Rican Colones.

$ = United States of America Dollars (USD).

i = Regulated service (acueducto, alcantarillado, hidrantes).

e = Provider of services regulated by Aresep.

t = Annual periods of the rate calculation, "t=0" is the base period.

For this case, in t=1, t=2, and t=3, the value of t=0 will be kept constant.

For the estimation of "kpiet$", the information published by Dr. Aswath Damodaran of New York University, at the Internet address http://www.stern.nyu.edu/~adamodar, will be used. The CAPM is calculated using the following procedure:

Equation 12 Where:

𝐤𝐩𝐢𝐞𝐭$ = Cost of equity rate for service "i", of provider "e", for period "t" in United States of America Dollars (USD). It is the cost of equity contributions.

𝐑𝐟 = Risk-free rate for the rate adjustment. This corresponds to an investment alternative that has no risk for the investor. It is calculated as a simple average of the yields denominated "arithmetic average" and "geometric average" of the United States of America Treasury bonds (10-year) for the last 10 years. The most recent data must be taken from the Damodaran website, available at the Internet address http://www.stern.nyu.edu/~adamodar.

𝛃𝐚𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Levered beta of the investment for service "i", of provider "e", for period "t". It is the covariance of the return of a specific asset and the market return. It is called "levered" since it has been adjusted to consider that part of the investment is financed with debt. Its calculation is performed as expressed in equation 13.

PR = Risk premium for the rate adjustment. It is defined as the difference between the risk-free rate and the market rate of return. The most recent data corresponding to the variable denominated "Implied Premium (FCFE)" or the variable that replaces it is used and will be obtained from the information published by Dr.

Aswath Damodaran, at the Internet address http://www.stern.nyu.edu/~adamodar.

i = Regulated service (acueducto, alcantarillado, hidrantes).

e = Provider of services regulated by Aresep.

t = Annual periods of the rate calculation, "t=0" is the base period.

For this case, in t=1, t=2, and t=3, the value of t=0 will be kept constant.

The levered beta refers to the part of the investment that is financed with debt and is obtained from the following equation:

Equation 13 Where:

𝛃𝐚𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Levered beta of the investment for service "i", of provider "e", for period "t".

𝛃𝐝 = Unlevered beta for the rate adjustment. The most recent data corresponding to the unlevered beta of the sector denominated "Utility (Water)" is used, available at the website: http://pages.stern.nyu.edu/~adamodar/New_Home_Page/datafile/Betas.html Diet/Kiet = Ratio of debt to equity. It is calculated by dividing the value of debt by the value of equity.

miet = Tax rate for service "i", of provider "e", for period "t". It is assumed to be equal to zero (0), according to agreement 15-149-99 of the Board of Directors of the Regulatory Authority (minutes of Session 149-99 of August 19, 1999) or whatever the Board of Directors stipulates at the time.

i = Regulated service (acueducto, alcantarillado, hidrantes).

e = Provider of services regulated by Aresep.

t = Annual periods of the rate calculation, "t=0" is the base period.

For this case, in t=1, t=2, and t=3, the value of t=0 will be kept constant.

In the event that the information referenced above is not available, other similar information sources may be used, provided that their reliability is qualified and assessed, and their use is technically justified.

7.2.2. Rate Base The rate base consists of the average revalued net fixed assets in operation destined for the provision of the service plus the working capital, as expressed in the following algebraic expression:

Equation 14 Where:

BTiet = Rate base for service "i", of provider "e", for period "t".

AFNORPiet = Average revalued net fixed assets in operation for service "i", of provider "e", for period "t". For each year of the rate calculation, a simple arithmetic mean of the following components is obtained: a) revalued net fixed assets in operation as of the month of December of the immediately preceding period and b) revalued net fixed assets in operation as of the month of December of period "t". It is detailed in equation 15. In the event that the data used are historical, they must be obtained from the Audited Financial Statements and homologated through the provisions established in the Regulatory Accounting. And for those cases where they are estimated or projected, they will be those established by the I.A.

See section "Considerations for investments" CTiet = Working capital for service "i", of provider "e", for period "t". (See section 7.2.3. "Working Capital").

i = Regulated service (acueducto, alcantarillado e hidrantes).

e = Provider of services regulated by Aresep.

t = Annual periods of the rate calculation, "t=0" is the base period.

The variable "t" takes values of 0, 1, 2, and 3.

7.2.2.1 Average revalued net fixed assets in operation It is the simple arithmetic mean of the following components: a) revalued net fixed assets in operation as of the month of December of the immediately preceding period and b) revalued net fixed assets in operation as of the month of December of period "t", as detailed in the following algebraic expression:

Equation 15 Where:

𝐀𝐅𝐍𝐎𝐑𝐏𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Average revalued net fixed assets in operation for service "i", of provider "e", for period "t".

𝐀𝐅𝐍𝐎𝐑𝐢𝐞𝐭 𝐚 = Revalued net fixed assets in operation for service "i", of provider "e", at the beginning of the month of January "t". It is detailed in equation 16.

𝐀𝐅𝐍𝐎𝐑𝐢𝐞𝐭 𝐛 = Revalued net fixed assets in operation for service "i", of provider "e", at the end of period "t". It is detailed in equation 17.

𝐚 = Value of the variable at the beginning of the month of January of period "t".

b = Value of the variable at the end of the month of December of period "t".

i = Regulated service (acueducto, alcantarillado e hidrantes).

e = Provider of services regulated by Aresep.

t = Annual periods of the rate calculation, "t=0" is the base period.

The variable "t" takes values of 0, 1, 2, and 3.

Providers have the obligation to value their assets as established by the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) on this matter or, where appropriate, the international standard that is eventually adopted nationally, considering the cost model or the revaluation model17. In this latter case, the fair value of these would be estimated (according to the IFRS standard), technically supported and justified; in addition, they must maintain their accounting records in accordance with that regulation, separating the balances at cost from the revaluations for due traceability and follow-up.

Providers must justify the accounting policy they have established in accordance with said standards, and it must be reviewed and endorsed by the External Auditors in the audits of the Financial Statements.

If the opinion on the Audited Financial Statements contains qualifications, is adverse (negative), or presents a disclaimer of opinion, and the auditors' findings indicate that the valuation of assets does not adhere to the indicated standards or the provider does not have asset valuation accounting policies adhering to the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) on this matter or, where appropriate, the international standard that is eventually adopted nationally, considering the cost model or the revaluation model, in the rate calculation, only the total fixed assets at cost will be considered as AFNOR for all calculation periods.

7.2.2.1.A. Revalued net fixed assets in operation at the beginning of January of period "t" The revalued net fixed assets in operation at the beginning of January of period "t". It is calculated as follows:

Equation 16 Where:

𝐀𝐅𝐍𝐎𝐑𝐢𝐞𝐭 𝐚 = Revalued net fixed assets in operation for service "i", of provider "e", at the beginning of period "t".

𝐀𝐅𝐂𝐢𝐞𝐭 𝐚 = Total fixed assets at cost for service "i", of provider "e", at the beginning of period "t". This data is obtained from the data of the Audited Financial Statements and reports homologated 17 In all cases, the service provider must present the original cost of its assets and their respective depreciation.

through the provisions established in the Regulatory Accounting. And for those cases where they are estimated or projected, they will be those established by the IA.

𝐀𝐅𝐑𝐢𝐞𝐭 𝐚 = Total revalued fixed assets for service "i", of provider "e", at the beginning of period "t". This data is obtained from the Audited Financial Statements and reports homologated through the provisions established in the Regulatory Accounting. And for those cases where they are estimated or projected, they will be those established by the IA.

𝐃𝐀𝐂𝐢𝐞𝐭 𝐚 = Accumulated depreciation of fixed assets at cost for service "i", of provider "e", at the beginning of period "t". This data is obtained from the Audited Financial Statements and reports homologated through the provisions established in the Regulatory Accounting. And for those cases where they are estimated or projected, they will be those established by the IA.

𝐃𝐀𝐅𝐑𝐢𝐞𝐭 𝐚 = Accumulated depreciation of revalued assets for service "i", of provider "e", at the beginning of period "t". This data is obtained from the Audited Financial Statements and homologated through the provisions established in the Regulatory Accounting. And for those cases where they are estimated or projected, they will be those established by the IA.

𝐚 = Value of the variable at the beginning of the month of January of period "t".

i = Regulated service (acueducto, alcantarillado e hidrantes).

e = Provider of services regulated by Aresep.

t = Annual periods of the rate calculation, "t=0" is the base period.

The variable "t" takes values of 0, 1, 2, and 3.

7.2.2.1.B. Revalued net fixed assets in operation as of the month of December of period "t" For the calculation of the revalued net fixed assets in operation as of the month of December of period "t", the following procedure is used:

Equation 17 Where:

𝐀𝐅𝐍𝐎𝐑𝐢𝐞𝐭 𝐛 = Revalued net fixed assets in operation for service "i", of provider "e", at the end of period "t".

𝐀𝐅𝐂𝐢𝐞𝐭 𝐛 = Total fixed assets at cost for service "i", of provider "e", at the end of period "t". It is detailed in equation 18.

𝐀𝐅𝐑𝐢𝐞𝐭 𝐛 = Total revalued fixed assets for service "i", of provider "e", at the end of period "t". It is detailed in equation 21.

𝐃𝐀𝐂𝐢𝐞𝐭 𝐛 = Accumulated depreciation of fixed assets at cost for service "i", of provider "e", at the end of period "t". It is detailed in equation 22.

𝐃𝐀𝐅𝐑𝐢𝐞𝐭 𝐛 = Accumulated depreciation of revalued fixed assets for service "i", of provider "e", at the end of period "t". It is detailed in equation 25.

b = Value of the variable at the end of the month of December of period "t".

i = Regulated service (acueducto, alcantarillado e hidrantes).

e = Provider of services regulated by Aresep.

t = Annual periods of the rate calculation, "t=0" is the base period.

The variable "t" takes values of 0, 1, 2, and 3.

B.1. Fixed assets at cost at the end of period "t" Fixed assets at cost are calculated as follows:

Equation 18 Where:

𝐀𝐅𝐂𝐛 𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Total fixed assets at cost for service "i", of provider "e", at the end of period "t". This corresponds to the fixed assets at cost for period "t", plus additions of fixed assets at cost, less retirements of assets at cost during period "t", plus the net total of transfers of assets at cost for period "t".

𝐀𝐅𝐂𝐢𝐞𝐭 𝐚 = Total fixed assets at cost for service "i", of provider "e", at the beginning of period "t". This data is obtained from the Audited Financial Statements and homologated through the provisions established in the Regulatory Accounting. And for those cases where they are estimated or projected, they will be those established by the IA.

𝐓𝐀𝐃𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Total additions to be recognized for service "i", of provider "e", for period "t". It is detailed in section B.1.1. denominated "Determination of additions".

𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Retirements of fixed assets at cost for service "i", of provider "e", for period "t". This corresponds to the value of the list of assets estimated to be retired for period "t".

𝐓𝐀𝐂𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Transfers of fixed assets at cost for service "i", of provider "e", for period "t".

𝐚 = Value of the variable at the beginning of the month of January of period "t".

b = Value of the variable at the end of the month of December of period "t".

i = Regulated service (acueducto, alcantarillado e hidrantes).

e = Provider of services regulated by Aresep.

t = Annual periods of the rate calculation, "t=0" is the base period.

The variable "t" takes values of 0, 1, 2, and 3.

B.1.1. Determination of additions For the analysis of additions, Aresep must, in the first instance, perform the information analysis under the different requirements established in the resolution(s) and current criteria associated with the topic of investments; analysis that may eventually be complemented with field visits to the different projects or works in accordance with the reports that the regulated provider submits for this purpose, in the form and by the date established by the IA.

The selection of the projects to be inspected will take into account some aspects such as the size, the amount of the investment as planned, the reasonableness of the values of each of the works, and the impact on the quality, quantity, timeliness, continuity, and reliability necessary to provide, optimally, efficiently, and effectively, the regulated public service. These field visits are intended to verify the amounts, the percentages of execution progress, the capitalization dates, and the total or partial entry into operation of the works, and to verify the information submitted by the company versus the actual progress of the works, as applicable.

Based on the information contained in the reports and what was verified during the visits, a report will be developed to determine the estimated amount and capitalization date of the additions that will be recognized for rate purposes.

For those projects where the results of the eventual field visits show differences with the information presented by the provider, an adjustment will be made to the amount to be capitalized and the capitalization date at the discretion of the IA, with respect to the pre-established stages from their inception.

B.1.1.1. Adjustment for percentage of execution In those projects that are presented as additions to be recognized at the rate level, as established in the previous point, the additions will be recognized in the following manner:

Equation 19 Where:

𝐓𝐀𝐃𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Total additions to be recognized for service "i", of provider "e", for period "t".

𝐀𝐃𝐈𝐀𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Additions inspected by Aresep for service "i", of provider "e", for the rate adjustment "t".

𝐀𝐃𝐃𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Additions assessed by Aresep, after the deduction of amounts without reasonable technical justification for service "i", of provider "e", for period "t".

𝐄𝐉𝐄𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Total percentage of execution to be recognized for service "i", of provider "e", for period "t", calculated based on the last 5 annual estimates recognized in an ordinary rate study. It is detailed in equation 20.

i = Regulated service (acueducto, alcantarillado e hidrantes).

e = Provider of services regulated by Aresep.

t = Annual periods of the rate calculation, "t=0" is the base period.

The variable "t" takes values of 0, 1, 2, and 3.

For the determination of the total percentage of execution to be recognized for the investment plan not inspected by Aresep, the following must be considered:

a. The annual percentage of execution of total investments, which is determined as the quotient of historical additions or assets capitalized by the provider and the additions recognized at the rate level by Aresep for that year. This percentage must be calculated for each of the last five years prior to the submission date of the new rate application.

b. In each rate study, providers must report the number of works they built, or the number of pieces of equipment they installed during the year.

c. The simple average of the annual execution percentages for those last five years calculated in point "a".

d. The total execution percentage for each year considered has a cap of 100%, since works or installed equipment that have not been previously assessed by the IA will not be considered.

e. The value of the average percentage of the five previous years calculated in point "b" is the execution percentage to be used. This is applied to the amounts associated with the number of works or pieces of equipment that were not inspected, after deduction of the amounts of additions that do not have reasonable technical justification.

f. The information on the execution percentages for the five years indicated in point "a" will be taken from the history of the previous ordinary rate settings and the historical records of asset capitalization held by the provider.

g. In the event that a provider has not had updated rates for several years prior to the ordinary rate application, the amount of recognized additions to be considered in calculating the execution percentage for each year will be that of the last period granted in the last approved rate setting.

The calculation equation in question is the following:

Equation 20 Where:

𝐄𝐉𝐄𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Total percentage of execution to be recognized for service "i", of provider "e", for period "t", calculated based on the last 5 annual estimates recognized in an ordinary rate study.

𝐀𝐃𝐑𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Total historical additions developed by the regulated provider in the rate setting for service "i", of provider "e", for period "t", encompassing from period "t=-4" to the base period "t=0". This includes only the data recognized in ordinary rate settings.

𝐀𝐃𝐄𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Total estimated additions calculated based on the last 5 annual estimates recognized in an ordinary rate study for the regulated provider for service "i", of provider "e", for period "t", encompassing from period "t=-4" to the base period "t=0". This includes only the data recognized in ordinary rate settings. i = Regulated service (acueducto, alcantarillado e hidrantes).

e = Provider of services regulated by Aresep.

t = Annual periods of the rate calculation, "t=0" is the base period.

The variable "t", in this case, can take values of -4, -3, -2, -1, and 0.

Applies per operator and per each service provided.

The provider must justify and separate, in the technical and accounting records, the proportion of additions that correspond to the replacement of assets that are retired due to replacement, damages, transfer, or obsolescence, and the proportion that corresponds to service expansion. Only the direct labor associated with the project or work will be capitalized; indirect labor (salary costs that cannot be assigned to a specific activity and which are shared by various activities, for example: procurement, accounting, management, etc., related to the administrative management of projects) must be transferred to expenses for their corresponding analysis and treatment.

The information requested for these purposes must be submitted according to the formats established by Aresep.

B.2. Revalued fixed assets for the end of period "t" Revalued fixed assets are calculated as follows:

Equation 21 Where:

𝐀𝐅𝐑𝐢𝐞𝐭 𝐛 = Total revalued fixed assets for service "i", of provider "e", at the end of period "t". This corresponds to the revalued fixed assets for period "t" (opening balance of the following year), less retirements of revalued assets during period "t", plus the net total of transfers of revalued assets, plus the revaluation of assets corresponding to period "t".

𝐀𝐅𝐑𝐢𝐞𝐭 𝐚 = Total revalued fixed assets for service "i", of provider "e", at the beginning of period "t". This data is obtained from the Audited Financial Statements and homologated through the provisions established in the Regulatory Accounting. And for those cases where they are estimated or projected, they will be those established by the IA.

𝐑𝐀𝐑𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Retirements of revalued fixed assets for service "i", of provider "e", for period "t". This corresponds to the value of the list of assets estimated to be retired for period "t". It is detailed in section B.2.1 denominated "Determination of retirements".

𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Transfers of revalued assets for service "i", of provider "e", for period "t".

𝐑𝐀𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Revaluation corresponding to period "t", of the assets for service "i", of provider "e". This corresponds to the estimated revaluation for period "t", and if available, an authorized appraisal by Aresep, following IFRS standards, will be used. It is detailed in section B.2.2. denominated "Revaluation of assets".

𝐚 = Value of the variable at the beginning of the month of January of period "t".

b = Value of the variable at the end of the month of December of period "t".

i = Regulated service (acueducto, alcantarillado e hidrantes).

e = Provider of services regulated by Aresep.

t = Annual periods of the rate calculation, "t=0" is the base period.

The variable "t" takes values of 0, 1, 2, and 3.

B.2.1. Determination of retirements In the specific case of asset retirement, the following criteria are considered:

a. Providers are obligated to purge the rate base. To do so, they must submit in each rate study the detail of retired assets (duly justified asset retirement plan), classified as being fully depreciated, replacement, deterioration, obsolescence, transfers, whose associated quality indicators do not comply with current regulations, or others.

b. In the event that there is a warning or order instructing the submission of asset retirements and related information, and the provider fails to comply with them, the IA has the authority not to accept the asset balances, given that the regulated entity omits this data, which is considered relevant in the calculation of the rate base.

c. In the event of non-compliance with the provisions in point "a" and there is no warning or order on the matter, there is the criterion of applying a percentage similar to the depreciation for each group of assets, for the concept of asset retirement, both in the at-cost and revalued values.

d. Information and justification are required regarding the accounting loss or gain that these retirements originate for the provider, to be compensated in the rates within the expense item under the concept of "loss on asset retirement". This expense must be consistent with the balances reflecting the retired assets and the transaction that gave rise to their retirement.

Retirements must be presented for each group of assets, in the period in which they were or are expected to be retired, indicating the values of the asset at cost, revalued, and their respective depreciations (at cost and revalued). Likewise, indicate whether the retirement gave rise to an accounting loss or gain upon its retirement, and its physical location (identification of the asset prior to retirement and its justifications, and the corresponding retirement or disposal vouchers, to provide traceability of the assets).

B.2.2. Revaluation of assets The provider has the obligation to value its assets as established by the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) on this matter or, where appropriate, the international standard that is eventually adopted nationally.

Regardless of the model used to perform the revaluation, the results will provide figures that must be reasonable (according to the IFRS standard) and technically supported.

In all cases, providers must disclose the original cost of their assets and their respective depreciation.

From the moment this resolution takes effect, the variable Revalued Fixed Assets (AFR) will remain constant in periods during which no revaluations of these assets are carried out in accordance with the applicable regulations; the calculation will only be affected by asset retirements and transfers, should they occur, but will not give rise to a loss upon their retirement.

Thus, this variable (AFR) will be updated only when the provider's assets are valued in accordance with the applicable regulation. The input data and valuation techniques used must be technically justified, minimizing the rate impact resulting from said valuation. When different valuation alternatives exist, the one representing a lesser impact on rates will be considered.

Aresep must monitor that there is no significant difference between the accounting records and the fair value, and may, if necessary, request the performance of studies to support a revaluation and to verify that it is reasoned and justified.

B.3. Estimation of accumulated depreciation of assets at cost for the end of period "t" Equation 22 Where:

𝐃𝐀𝐂𝐢𝐞𝐭 𝐛 = Accumulated depreciation of fixed assets at cost for service "i", of provider "e", at the end of period "t".

𝐃𝐀𝐂𝐢𝐞𝐭 𝐚 = Accumulated depreciation of fixed assets at cost for service "i", of provider "e", at the beginning of period "t". This data is obtained from the Audited Financial Statements and homologated through the provisions established in the Regulatory Accounting.

𝐑𝐃𝐂𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Retirements of depreciated assets at cost for service "i", of provider "e", for period "t". The value of the asset retirement estimated by the provider and approved by Aresep, following the Regulatory Accounting formats, is used.

𝐓𝐃𝐂𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Transfers of assets at cost, for service "i", of provider "e", for period "t". The value of the asset transfer estimated by the provider and approved by Aresep, following the Regulatory Accounting formats, is used.

𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Depreciation of assets at cost for service "i", of provider "e", for period "t". It is detailed in equation 23.

𝐚 = Value of the variable at the beginning of the month of January of period "t".

b = Value of the variable at the end of the month of December of period "t".

i = Regulated service (acueducto, alcantarillado e hidrantes).

e = Provider of services regulated by Aresep.

t = Annual periods of the rate calculation, "t=0" is the base period.

The variable "t" takes values of 0, 1, 2, and 3.

B.3.1. Depreciation of assets at cost for period "t" Equation 23 Where:

𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Depreciation of assets at cost for service "i", of provider "e", for period "t".

𝐓𝐃𝐀𝐂𝐣𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Depreciation rate for asset "j" at cost for service "i", of provider "e", for period "t". The depreciation tables previously approved by Aresep are used. These tables must clearly show, for each asset, the depreciation rate, the value at cost, and the useful life. It is detailed in equation 24.

𝐀𝐅𝐂𝐣𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Value of fixed asset "j" at cost for service "i", of provider "e", for period "t". This data is obtained from the report that providers must submit to Aresep detailing the list of fixed assets in operation necessary to provide the service, with their respective value, useful life, depreciation rate, and salvage value. j = Each asset.

i = Regulated service (acueducto, alcantarillado e hidrantes).

e = Provider of services regulated by Aresep.

t = Annual periods of the rate calculation, "t=0" is the base period.

The variable "t" takes values of 0, 1, 2, and 3.

n = Total assets The depreciation rate for each asset "j" at cost is obtained using the following formula.

Equation 24 Where:

𝐓𝐃𝐀𝐂𝐣𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Depreciation rate for asset "j" at cost for service "i", of provider "e", for period "t".

𝐕𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐣𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Salvage value of asset "j" at cost for service "i", of provider "e", for period "t". Expressed as a percentage.

𝐕𝐔𝐣𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Useful life of asset "j" for service "i", of provider "e". Expressed in years.

j = Each asset.

i = Regulated service (acueducto, alcantarillado e hidrantes).

e = Provider of services regulated by Aresep.

t = Annual periods of the rate calculation, "t=0" is the base period.

The variable "t" takes values of 0, 1, 2, and 3.

B.4. Accumulated depreciation of revalued fixed assets for the end of period "t" Equation 25 Where:

𝐃𝐀𝐅𝐑𝐢𝐞𝐭 𝐛 = Accumulated depreciation of the revalued fixed assets for service "i", of provider "e", for the end of period "t".

𝐃𝐀𝐅𝐑𝐢𝐞𝐭 𝐚 = Accumulated depreciation of the revalued fixed assets for service "i", of provider "e", at the beginning of period "t". This data is obtained from the Audited Financial Statements and homologated through the provisions established in the Regulatory Accounting.

𝐑𝐃𝐑𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Retirement of depreciated revalued assets for service "i", of provider "e", for period "t".

𝐓𝐃𝐑𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Transfer of depreciated revalued assets from service "i", of provider "e", for period "t".

𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐑𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Depreciation of revalued fixed assets of service "i", of provider "e" during period "t". It is detailed in equation 26.

t = Annual periods of the tariff calculation, "t=0" is the base period.

The variable "t" takes values of 0, 1, 2, and 3.

B.4.1. Depreciation of revalued assets for period "t" Equation 26 Where:

𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐑𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Depreciation of revalued fixed assets of service "i", of provider "e" during period "t".

𝐓𝐃𝐀𝐑𝐣𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Depreciation rate of revalued fixed asset "j", of service "i", of provider "e", for period "t". The depreciation tables previously approved by Aresep are used. These tables must clearly show, for each asset, the depreciation rate, the cost value, and the useful life. It is detailed in equation 27.

𝐀𝐅𝐑𝐣𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Value of revalued fixed asset "j", of service "i", of provider "e" for period "t". This data is obtained from the report that providers must submit to Aresep detailing the list of fixed assets in operation necessary to provide the service, with their respective value, useful life, depreciation rate, and salvage value.

j = Each asset.

i = Regulated service (acueducto, alcantarillado e hidrantes).

e = Provider of services regulated by Aresep.

t = Annual periods of the tariff calculation, "t=0" is the base period.

The variable "t" takes values of 0, 1, 2, and 3.

n = Total assets The depreciation rate of each revalued asset "j" Equation 27 Where:

𝐓𝐃𝐀𝐑𝐣𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Depreciation rate of revalued fixed asset "j" of service "i", of provider "e", for period "t".

𝐕𝐑𝐀𝐑𝐣𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Salvage value of revalued fixed asset "j" of service "i", of provider "e", for period "t". Expressed as a percentage.

𝐕𝐔𝐑𝐣𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Useful life of revalued fixed asset "j" of service "i", of provider "e", for period "t". Expressed in years.

j = Each asset.

i = Regulated service (acueducto, alcantarillado e hidrantes).

e = Provider of services regulated by Aresep.

t = Annual periods of the tariff calculation, "t=0" is the base period.

The variable "t" takes values of 0, 1, 2, and 3.

7.2.2.2. Considerations for Investments The Investment Plan must be presented according to the asset classification format established by the Intendencia de Agua and classified into micro and macro investments, as well as investments associated with service quality with their corresponding sub-classifications.

Additionally, the specific annual amount for each of the proposed investments must be indicated and the consistency of the proposed Investment Plan must be justified with the Plan Nacional de Desarrollo (PND), with the Programa de Mejora y Expansión Continua del Servicio (PMES), with the user needs presented by the Dirección General de Atención al Usuarios (DGAU) according to its Complaint Report, and with existing sectoral plans.

The investments requested by the service provider must be justified in terms of reasonable technical and financial criteria; furthermore, they must demonstrate a positive impact on the efficiency, effectiveness, quality, and continuity of service provision, namely:

• a)Service providers must prepare and submit to the Regulatory Authority a Programa de Mejora y Expansión Continua del Servicio (PMES) for the services they provide, containing in detail the concrete goals or objectives for the next 5 years and in a global form for the following two five-year periods. Its general objective will be to achieve and maintain the expansion goals (performance) and service levels established by the Regulatory Authority.
• b)Expansion works must be justified in relation to demand growth, the result of evaluations of causes of quality deficiencies, and/or increases in resource needs for improving the degree of coverage.

The goals for expansion and improvements will refer, at a minimum, to the following: Studies and Projects for Acueductos and Alcantarillados.

• a)Master Development Plan.
• b)Mathematical network modeling.
• c)Study of water sources and alternative sources.
• d)Contamination risk of water intakes, storage, and final disposal.
• e)Improvement of potabilization plants and wastewater treatment plants.
• f)Participation in the protection and conservation of hydrographic basins.
• g)Installation of micro and macro meters.
• h)Expansion of water and sewer networks.
• i)Renewal of water and sewer networks.
• j)Rehabilitation of water networks.
• k)Specific works.
• l)Incorporation of technology in service provision.

The investment amounts endorsed by Aresep will be the basis for calculating the asset addition amounts used to calculate net fixed assets. The full value of the assets recognized in the investments may be added in each year, if the average execution percentage is 100% and if the assets are classified as useful, usable, and effectively in use for the efficient and effective provision of the service.

7.2.3. Working Capital Working capital is estimated as the average collection period multiplied by the cash required for operation (operating, maintenance, and administration costs and expenses less depreciation, amortizable items, expenses for asset retirement losses), as follows:

Equation 28 Where:

𝐂𝐓𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Working capital of service "i", of provider "e", for period "t".

𝐂𝐗𝐂𝐢𝐞 = Average of accounts receivable for the last three annual periods. This data is obtained from the Audited Financial Statements homologated through the provisions of Regulatory Accounting.

𝐈𝐕𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Total annual sales revenues projected based on the tariff structure, demand estimation, and considering the tariffs of service "i", of provider "e", for period "t".

𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐀𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Total costs and expenses of operation, maintenance, administration, and other indispensable costs and expenses incurred by providers to provide service "i", of provider "e", for period "t".

𝐃𝐄𝐏𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Depreciation expense of assets of service "i", of provider "e", for period "t". It is obtained from the sum of cost depreciation (detailed in equation 23) and revalued depreciation for the period (detailed in equation 26).

𝐏𝐀𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Expense for amortizable items to provide service "i", of provider "e", for period "t".

𝐆𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Expense for asset retirement loss to provide service "i", of provider "e", for period "t".

i = Regulated service (acueducto, alcantarillado e hidrantes).

e = Provider of services regulated by Aresep.

t = Annual periods of the tariff calculation, "t=0" is the base period.

The variable "t" takes values of 0, 1, 2, and 3.

7.3. Total Volume of Water to Bill The total volume of water to bill to subscribers is obtained from the demand analysis that considers the estimation, for the period in which the tariff will be in force, of the number of subscribers by tariff type in each of its blocks and their associated consumption. Article 41 of the regulation to Ley N° 7593 establishes that any tariff-setting request must contain, among other requirements, a market study, which is fundamental for performing demand estimates for each regulated service.

From the point of view of time series analysis, there is a variety of methods and techniques for making inferences or forecasts of variables with a certain future frequency, based on the identification, specification, and estimation of a particular statistical model. Therefore, the method or technique used in the projections must be justified and comply with the statistical and econometric criteria established based on science, technique, and logic; as established by the Ley General de la Administración Pública. The market study that the provider submits to Aresep must be technically and legally justified and indicate the software used, the identification of the prediction model employed, and the results obtained. All results of the projected variables, regardless of the software, algorithm, and model used, must be presented in a commonly used electronic spreadsheet format.

Aresep will review the demand estimates provided by the provider, using the techniques it deems appropriate under the circumstances. As part of the analysis process of demand estimates and the complementary information provided by the provider, Aresep may make the necessary adjustments to the received forecasts, based on applicable technical criteria.

7.4. Total Expected Revenues (ITEiet) They correspond to the total expected revenues necessary to cover the sum of: total costs of operation, maintenance, administration, and other indispensable costs and expenses (COMAiet), the return for development (RDiet), costs and expenses associated with the operation and maintenance of the ASADAS (CGASADAiet), costs and expenses associated with the operation and maintenance of the acueductos municipales (CGMUNiet), and costs and expenses associated with social character projects (CGPCSiet) plus the amount resulting from the settlement process (LIiet=0).

These costs are classified as necessary to provide the service.

Equation 29 Where:

𝐈𝐓𝐄𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Total expected revenues for service "i", of provider "e", and for period "t". It is obtained from the sum of total costs and expenses (COMAiet), the Return for Development (RDiet), costs and expenses associated with the operation and maintenance of the ASADAS (CGASADAiet), costs and expenses associated with the operation and maintenance of the acueductos municipales (CGMUNiet), and costs and expenses associated with social character projects (CGPCSiet) plus the amount resulting from the settlement process (LIiet=0).

𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐀𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Total costs and expenses of operation, maintenance, administration, and other indispensable costs and expenses incurred by providers to provide service "i", of provider "e", for period "t".

𝐑𝐃𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Return for development of service "i", of provider "e", for period "t".

𝐂𝐆𝐀𝐒𝐀𝐃𝐀𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Costs and expenses associated with the operation and maintenance of the ASADAS in which the new provider must assume their functioning for service "i", of provider "e", and for period "t". This is estimated using the simple annual average of the operation and maintenance costs of the previous two years of the ASADAS that the new provider has had to assume and is projected with the indicator that best fits its behavior or according to what is established in the index projection methodology.

𝐂𝐆𝐌𝐔𝐍𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Costs and expenses associated with the operation and maintenance of the acueductos municipales in which the new provider must assume their functioning, for service "i", of provider "e", and for period "t". This is estimated using the simple annual average of the operation and maintenance costs of the previous two years of the municipalities that the new provider has had to assume and is projected with the indicator that best fits its behavior or according to what is established in the index projection methodology.

𝐂𝐆𝐏𝐂𝐒𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Costs and expenses associated with social character projects incurred by providers to provide service "i", of provider "e", for period "t". They are estimated using the simple average of the last two years with information obtained from the audited financial statements corresponding to period "t=0" and are projected with the indicator that best fits its behavior or according to what is established in the index projection methodology.

𝐋𝐈𝐢𝐞𝐭=𝟎 = Settlement for period "t=0" will be performed, solely and exclusively, for the last period for which Audited and homologated Financial Statements are available. It refers to the difference between adjusted total costs and adjusted total revenues, of service "i", of provider "e", for period "t=0".

It is detailed in equation 35.

i = Regulated service (acueducto, alcantarillado e hidrantes).

e = Provider of services regulated by Aresep.

t = Annual periods of the tariff calculation, "t=0" is the base period.

The variable "t" takes values of 0, 1, 2, and 3.

It is noteworthy that total revenues can be historical or projected; for the latter case, two cases can be specified: (i) at current tariffs (ii) at proposed tariffs.

7.4.1. Sales Revenues and Other Revenues The total revenues of the provider are composed of (i) revenues from the sale of service "i" to users (IViet) and (ii) revenues from "other revenues" generated by providers when providing the service (OTiet).

Historical records must be evaluated and then both service sales revenues and other revenues must be estimated; the sum resulting from sales revenues and other revenues corresponds to the amount of total revenues for service "i" that the provider should receive.

The total revenue for service "i" to end users is obtained from the following equation:

𝐈𝐓𝐢𝐞𝐭 = 𝐈𝐕𝐢𝐞𝐭 + 𝐎𝐈𝐢𝐞𝐭 Equation 30 Where:

ITiet = Total revenues for service "i", of provider "e", and for period "t". If the sum of total costs and expenses (COMAiet), the Return for Development (RDiet), costs and expenses associated with the operation and maintenance of the ASADAS (CGASADAiet), costs and expenses associated with the operation and maintenance of the acueductos municipales (CGMUNiet), and costs and expenses associated with social character projects (CGPCSiet) is equal to the sum of revenues from service sales (IViet) plus other revenues (OIiet), then ITEiet (detailed in equation 29) is equal to ITiet (detailed in equation 30). Furthermore, when the sum of total current sales revenues (IVTViet) plus other revenues (OIiet) (detailed in equation 34) is equal to the costs and expenses specified in equation 29, then ITiet is equal to ITViet and equal to ITEiet, so there is equilibrium and no tariff adjustment is necessary (detailed in equation 38).

IViet = Total annual sales revenues projected based on the tariff structure, demand estimation, and considering the tariffs of service "i", of provider "e", for period "t".

OIiet = Other revenues of service "i", of provider "e", for period "t". It includes revenues from bulk water sales and any other revenue derived or associated with the operation that does not correspond to revenue from sales to end users of the service (such as financial revenues). It does not include matters related to ancillary services, as they are contemplated in another methodology.

i = Regulated service (acueducto, alcantarillado e hidrantes).

e = Provider of services regulated by Aresep.

t = Annual periods of the tariff calculation, "t=0" is the base period.

The variable "t" takes values of 0, 1, 2, and 3.

The absolute total amount of the required change in sales revenues (?IViet) is the difference between the sales revenue necessary to provide the service (IViet) and the projected annual sales revenues, based on the tariff structure, demand estimation, and considering current tariffs (IVTViet), expressed as follows:

Equation 31 Where:

?𝐈𝐕𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Absolute change required in total sales revenues to provide service "i", of provider "e", for period "t".

𝐈𝐕𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Total sales revenues of service "i", of provider "e", for period "t".

𝐈𝐕𝐓𝐅𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Total annual sales revenues projected based on the tariff structure, demand estimation, and considering the current tariffs of service "i", of provider "e", for period "t". It is detailed in equation 33.

i = Regulated service (acueducto, alcantarillado e hidrantes).

e = Provider of services regulated by Aresep.

t = Annual periods of the tariff calculation, "t=0" is the base period.

The variable "t" takes values of 0, 1, 2, and 3.

7.4.1.1. Service Sales Revenues.

7.4.1.1.A. Total Revenues from Service Sales to Users.

Total revenues from sales to users are obtained by summing the results of multiplying the price for each tariff type, according to consumption block, by the total estimated volume of water to bill associated with each tariff type according to consumption block, expressed as follows:

Equation 32 Where:

𝐈𝐕𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Total annual sales revenues projected based on the tariff structure, demand estimation, and considering the tariffs of service "i", of provider "e", for period "t".

𝐏𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐬𝐪 = Price for each tariff type "s" of service "i", of provider "e", for period "t", according to consumption block "q". The price for each tariff type, according to consumption block, corresponds to the price in colones per cubic meter.

𝐕𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐬𝐪 = Total volume of water to bill in cubic meters (m3) by tariff type "s", according to consumption block "q", of service "i", of provider "e", for period "t". It is estimated from the data provided by the provider, corrected for efficient losses in the base year, according to the correction criterion established by the regulatory entity. And incorporating additional subscribers resulting from taking over other providers. Its estimation is performed according to section 7.3. denominated "Total Volume of Water to Bill".

q = Each consumption block.

k = Number of consumption blocks.

s = Each tariff category type according to the current tariff structure (for example, domiciliary, business, government, preferential, or any other determined).

g = Number of existing tariffs according to the current tariff schedule.

i = Regulated service (acueducto, alcantarillado e hidrantes).

e = Provider of services regulated by Aresep.

t = Annual periods of the tariff calculation, "t=0" is the base period.

The variable "t" takes values of 0, 1, 2, and 3.

7.4.1.1.B. Revenues from Service Sales to Users with Current Tariffs.

Total revenues from sales to users with current tariffs are obtained by summing the results of multiplying the current price for each tariff type, according to consumption block, by the total estimated volume of water to bill associated with each tariff type according to consumption block, expressed as follows:

Equation 33 Where:

𝐈𝐕𝐓𝐕𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Total annual sales revenues projected based on the tariff structure, demand estimation, and considering the current tariffs of service "i", of provider "e", for period "t".

𝐏𝐕𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐬𝐪 = Price for each current tariff type "s" of service "i", of provider "e", for period "t", according to consumption block "q". The price for each tariff type, according to consumption block, corresponds to the price in colones per cubic meter indicated in the current tariff schedule at the time of the tariff study.

𝐕𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐬𝐪 = Total volume of water to bill in cubic meters (m3) by tariff type "s", according to consumption block "q", of service "i", of provider "e", for period "t". It is estimated from the data provided by the provider, corrected for efficient losses in the base year, according to the correction criterion established by the regulatory entity. And incorporating additional subscribers resulting from taking over other providers. Its estimation is performed according to section 7.3. denominated "Total Volume of Water to Bill".

q = Each consumption block.

k = Number of consumption blocks.

s = Each tariff category type according to the current tariff structure (for example, domiciliary, business, government, preferential, or any other determined).

g = Number of existing tariffs according to the current tariff schedule.

i = Regulated service (acueducto, alcantarillado e hidrantes).

e = Provider of services regulated by Aresep.

t = Annual periods of the tariff calculation, "t=0" is the base period.

The variable "t" takes values of 0, 1, 2, and 3.

7.4.1.1.C. Total Revenues with Current Tariffs.

Total revenues with current tariffs are obtained by summing the result of total revenues from service sales to users and other revenues, expressed as follows:

Equation 34 Where:

𝐈𝐓𝐕𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Total revenues estimated with current tariffs for service "i", of provider "e", for period "t", in which the tariff would be in effect for the entire calendar year.

𝐈𝐕𝐓𝐕𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Total annual sales revenues projected based on the tariff structure, demand estimation, and considering the current tariffs of service "i", of provider "e", for period "t".

𝐎𝐈𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Other revenues of service "i", of provider "e", for period "t". It includes revenues from bulk water sales and any other revenue derived or associated with the operation that does not correspond to revenue from sales to end users of the service (such as financial revenues). It does not include matters related to ancillary services, as they are contemplated in another methodology.

i = Regulated service (acueducto, alcantarillado e hidrantes).

e = Provider of services regulated by Aresep.

t = Annual periods of the tariff calculation, "t=0" is the base period.

The variable "t" takes values of 0, 1, 2, and 3.

7.4.2. Settlement of the Previous Period Once the model described in this methodology has been applied for the first time, in the subsequent ordinary tariff setting, the differences between the estimates made for the calculation of current tariffs and the historical values identified during the period in which the tariff adjustment was in effect must be reviewed, compared, and recognized. Settlements may be activated ex officio or at the request of a party, and may be processed in parallel with an ordinary study request or separately, but always as an ordinary procedure resulting in a file with its respective formal resolution. Once a new set of audited financial statements is available, the possibility of settling periods prior to the updated information for "t=0" will be lost.

In this way, Aresep will take into account the deviations originating in the tariff calculation performed through estimates, with respect to the observed, adjusted, and updated values. If differences arise between what was estimated and what was observed, adjusted, and updated, the difference for each of the variables will be incorporated into the tariff calculation for the validity period of the new tariff, affecting revenues by being included as an item called settlement of the previous period. The amount must maintain the sign obtained in the equation, meaning a positive amount will add greater revenue, while a negative amount implies reducing revenue to compensate for the settlement.

Likewise, for these purposes, the data presented by the provider must be audited and homologated through the provisions of Regulatory Accounting. This data will be reviewed, analyzed, and refined by the Regulatory Authority, and a monetary value different from that reported by the provider may be established for the purpose of determining its recognition. The objectives of Ley N° 7593 must be met.

Equation 35 Where:

𝐋𝐈𝐢𝐞𝐭=𝟎 = Settlement for period "t=0" will be performed, solely and exclusively, for the last period for which Audited and homologated Financial Statements are available. It refers to the difference between adjusted total costs and adjusted total revenues, of service "i", of provider "e", for period "t=0".

𝐂𝐓𝐀𝐢𝐞𝐭=𝟎 = Total adjusted costs and expenses for all related variables of service "i", of provider "e", for period "t=0". It refers to the adjustment for the differential between historical expenses and estimated expenses for CTAiet=0 (Total operating and maintenance costs and expenses incurred by providers).

𝐈𝐓𝐀𝐢𝐞𝐭=𝟎 = Total adjusted revenues for all related variables of service "i", of provider "e", for period "t=0". It refers to the adjustment for the differential between historical revenues and estimated revenues of the service.

i = Regulated service (acueducto, alcantarillado e hidrantes).

e = Provider of services regulated by Aresep.

t=0 = Corresponds to the "base" analysis period considered in the tariff-setting study and which allows the use of historical, or observed, values.

7.4.2.1. Settlement of Costs.

The historical costs and expenses that will be analyzed in this process must coincide with those approved in the cost and expense structure of the tariff study that defined the current tariffs for the period to be settled.

To calculate the settlement of costs and determine the corresponding adjustment, the estimated costs and expenses included in the calculation of the current tariff (period "t=0") by provider "e" when providing regulated service "i" must be contrasted with the historical costs and expenses obtained by the regulated provider in said period, according to the Audited and homologated Financial Statements, as detailed below:

Equation 36 Where:

𝐂𝐓𝐀𝐢𝐞𝐭=0 = Total adjusted costs and expenses for all related variables of service "i", of provider "e", for period "t=0". It refers to the adjustment for the differential between historical expenses and estimated expenses for CTAiet=0 (Total operating and maintenance costs and expenses incurred by providers).

𝐂𝐑𝐢𝐞𝐭=0 = Total observed costs and expenses in service "i", of provider "e", and for period "t=0". They are the historical expenses for operation, maintenance, administration, and other expenses reconciled with the audited and homologated financial statements incurred by providers to provide the service in period "t=0".

𝐂𝐄𝐢𝐞𝐭=0 = Total costs and expenses estimated by Aresep in the tariff setting for operation, maintenance, administration, and other expenses in service "i", of provider "e", and for period "t=0". This data must be taken from the tariff setting performed by Aresep for period "t=0".

i = Regulated service (acueducto, alcantarillado e hidrantes).

e = Provider of services regulated by Aresep.

t=0 = Corresponds to the "base" analysis period considered in the tariff-setting study and which allows the use of historical, or observed, values.

In the case of costs and expenses that were not incorporated by the regulated provider in its tariff request for period "t=0" or were excluded by the Regulatory Entity as a result of its regulatory analysis, but that were realized and executed by the provider in the exercise of its functions, the provider must provide all the technical information required to validate the pertinence and its link to the provision of the public service, and the Regulatory Authority will assess and determine the items and amounts to be recognized in the adjustment.

7.4.2.2. Settlement of Revenues The total Revenue adjustment corresponds to the difference between observed revenues and estimated revenues included in the tariff calculation for service "i" of provider "e", for period "t=0", which is obtained as follows:

Equation 37 Where:

𝐈𝐓𝐀𝐢𝐞𝐭=0 = Total adjusted revenues for all related variables of service "i", of provider "e", for period "t=0". It refers to the adjustment for the differential between historical revenues and estimated revenues of the service.

𝐈𝐓𝐑𝐢𝐞𝐭=0 = Total observed revenues received for providing service "i" of provider "e", and for period "t=0". This data is obtained from the audited and homologated financial statements; with historical information from period "t=0".

𝐈𝐓𝐄𝐢𝐞𝐭=0 = Total revenues estimated by Aresep in the tariff setting for service "i", of provider "e", and for period "t=0". This data is taken from the tariff setting performed by Aresep for period "t=0" i = Regulated service (acueducto, alcantarillado e hidrantes).

e = Provider of services regulated by Aresep.

t=0 = Corresponds to the "base" analysis period considered in the tariff-setting study and which allows the use of historical, or observed, values.

Furthermore, settlements must comply with the Regulatory Authority's analysis where depreciation, additions, and retirements of assets will be reviewed, as a result between what was executed by the regulated provider and what was projected by the Intendencia de Agua (IA) in the immediately preceding tariff study. The justifications for the variations of each of the amounts (differences) must be submitted.

Similarly, the technical justifications duly associated with the depreciation, additions, and retirements of historical assets, not recognized by the Intendencia in the tariff adjustment request immediately preceding the period for which the corresponding tariff settlement is being performed, must be submitted. For the presentation of technical information, providers must use the formats requested by the IA, both for Regulatory Accounting and for the tariff study.

7.5. Determination of the percentage adjustment in rates for the period in which the new ordinary rate setting will take effect. For the determination of the percentage adjustment in rates for the period in which the new ordinary rate setting will take effect, the following two stages shall be applied: (i) First, the absolute amount of the additional resources required is calculated (detailed in equation 38). (ii) The required adjustment percentage is determined by dividing the result of equation 38 by the total sales revenue at current rates (detailed in equation 33). This percentage is distributed among the current rates, according to the rate structure defined by the IA, to guarantee the obtaining of the necessary total revenue.

7.5.1. Determination of the required adjustment in absolute terms, ordinary procedure Equation 38 Where:

?ITiet = Required change in the total revenue of service "i", of provider "e", for period "t", in which the rate would be in force.

ITViet = Estimated total revenue with the current rates for service "i", of provider "e", for period "t", in which the rate would be in force for the entire calendar year. Detailed in equation 34.

ITEiet = Expected total revenue for service "i", of provider "e", and for period "t". Detailed in equation 29.

i = Regulated service (acueducto, alcantarillado, and hidrantes).

e = Provider of services regulated by Aresep.

t = Annual periods of the rate calculation, "t=0" is the base period.

The variable "t" takes values of 0, 1, 2, and 3.

7.5.2. Determination of the required percentage adjustment, ordinary procedure Equation 39 Where:

%𝐈𝐕𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Required percentage adjustment in the total sales revenue for service "i", of provider "e", for period "t".

?𝐈𝐓𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Required change in the total revenue of service "i", of provider "e", for period "t", in which the rate would be in force. Detailed in equation 38.

𝐈𝐕𝐓𝐕𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Total annual sales revenue projected based on the rate structure, the demand estimate, and considering the current rates for service "i", of provider "e", for period "t". Detailed in equation 33.

i = Regulated service (acueducto, alcantarillado, and hidrantes).

e = Provider of services regulated by Aresep.

t = Annual periods of the rate calculation, "t=0" is the base period.

The variable "t" takes values of 0, 1, 2, and 3.

This required percentage adjustment must be distributed, in accordance with what the IA technically determines, among the different rates and blocks so that the revenue required by the provider to provide the service is achieved, as established in equation 29.

8. EXTRAORDINARY UPDATE OF THE REGULATORY LEVY (CANON DE REGULACIÓN) The amount for the current regulatory levy (canon de regulación) to be paid to ARESEP for the Acueducto, Alcantarillado, and Hidrantes activity that is included in the rate calculation is that approved by the Contraloría General de la República.

The current rates must be adjusted extraordinarily when the regulatory levy (canon de regulación) to be paid to ARESEP changes due to an adjustment duly approved by the Contraloría General de la República.

With this, the aim is to comply with what was established by the Contraloría General de la República (CGR) itself through official communications (oficios) 1463 dated February 12, 2010, and DFOE-ED-0996 of December 15, 2010. The latter official communication states the following:

"it is the current criterion of this Contraloría General that it corresponds to that Regulatory Authority to perform the pertinent calculations to adjust the rates of public services, conforming to what is established in Article 30 of the Ley Reguladora de los Servicios Públicos N°7593, insofar as it establishes that ordinary rate settings, when contemplating variations in cost and investment factors, must be performed ex officio by the Regulatory Authority itself. To comply with the foregoing, that Regulatory Authority must document, formalize, and implement the necessary methodologies, the application of which will be subject to oversight by this controlling body, starting from the collection that ARESEP will make of the regulatory levy (canon de regulación) corresponding to the 2012 period." The foregoing means that, once the Contraloría General de la República has approved a new amount for the regulatory levy (canon de regulación) to be paid to ARESEP, the prices and rates of regulated public services must be adjusted ex officio, recognizing in this extraordinary procedure the change in value between the current levy and the new one approved by the Contraloría. Therefore, for the purposes of this methodology, the prices of regulated public services will be updated via extraordinary procedure each time the Contraloría General de la República approves a new amount of levies and it is duly published in the official gazette La Gaceta.

This extraordinary update implies that the adjustment of the levies authorized by the Contraloría General de la República constitutes a triggering event (hecho generador) for the extraordinary procedure, whose only expense to be updated in the rate calculations is the new amount of the levies approved by the Contraloría, as detailed in the following section. The other triggering events that Ley 7593 includes as triggering events for initiating an extraordinary rate adjustment procedure will be applied as appropriate.

8.1. Determination of the percentage adjustment in rates for the extraordinary rate-setting procedure due to levy adjustment For the determination of the percentage adjustment in rates for the period in which the new extraordinary rate setting will take effect, the following two stages shall be applied: (i) First, the absolute amount of the additional resources required to cover the change in the levy amount is calculated (detailed in equation 40). (ii) The percentage adjustment required to cover the change in the levy amount is determined by dividing the result of equation 40 by the total sales revenue at current rates (detailed in equation 33). This percentage is distributed among the current rates, according to the rate structure defined by the IA, to guarantee the obtaining of the necessary total revenue.

8.1.1. Determination of the required adjustment in absolute terms, extraordinary procedure Equation 40 Where:

?ITCiet = Required change in total revenue due to the change in the levy payable to ARESEP for service "i", of provider "e", for period "t", in which the new levy is in effect.

𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐍iet = Absolute amount of the new levies payable to ARESEP, approved by the Contraloría General de la República, for service "i", of provider "e", for period "t".

𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐕iet = Absolute amount of the current levies payable to ARESEP, approved by the Contraloría General de la República, for service "i", of provider "e", for period "t".

i = Regulated service (acueducto, alcantarillado, and hidrantes).

e = Provider of services regulated by Aresep.

t = Annual periods of the rate calculation, "t=0" is the base period.

The variable "t" takes values of 0, 1, 2, and 3.

8.1.2. Determination of the required percentage adjustment, Extraordinary procedure Equation 41 Where:

%𝐈𝐕𝐏𝐄𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Required percentage adjustment in the total sales revenue for service "i", of provider "e", for period "t", when the extraordinary procedure is applied.

?𝐈𝐓𝐂𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Required change in total revenue due to the change in the levy payable to ARESEP for service "i", of provider "e", for period "t", in which the new levy is in effect. Detailed in equation 40.

𝐈𝐕𝐓𝐕𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Total annual sales revenue projected based on the rate structure, the demand estimate, and considering the current rates for service "i", of provider "e", for period "t". Detailed in equation 33.

i = Regulated service (acueducto, alcantarillado, and hidrantes).

e = Provider of services regulated by Aresep.

t = Annual periods of the rate calculation, "t=0" is the base period.

The variable "t" takes values of 0, 1, 2, and 3.

This required percentage adjustment must be distributed, in accordance with what the IA technically determines, among the different rates and blocks so that the revenue required by the provider to provide the service is achieved.

9. ANNEX: DESCRIPTION OF VARIABLES.

Relative share of the local component of expenses.

II.To repeal resolution RE-0044-JD-2019, of March 12, 2019, "Metodología tarifaria para los servicios de Acueducto, Alcantarillado e Hidrantes (MTAAH)".

III.To consider as a response to the positions raised in the public hearing held on May 20, 2022, what is indicated in report IN-0048-CDR-2022 of September 12, 2022, and to thank the valuable participation in this process.

IV.To instruct the Secretariat of the Board of Directors (Secretaría de Junta Directiva) of Aresep to proceed to notify, in a single act, the Instituto Costarricense de Acueductos y Alcantarillados, the Empresa de Servicios Públicos de Heredia S.A., Mr. José Antonio Fernández Elizondo, and Mr. Ismael Martínez Morera, of the response to the positions raised in the public hearing, as well as this resolution.

V.To instruct the Secretariat of the Board of Directors of Aresep to proceed with the necessary procedures for the publication of this resolution in the official gazette La Gaceta.

In compliance with Article 245 of the Ley General de la Administración Pública, the ordinary appeal for reversal or reconsideration (recurso ordinario de reposición o reconsideración) may be filed against this resolution, which must be filed within a period of three days counted from the day following notification, and the extraordinary appeal for review (recurso extraordinario de revisión), which must be filed within the periods indicated in Article 354 of the aforementioned Law. Both appeals must be filed before the Board of Directors of Aresep, the collegiate body responsible for resolving them.

It takes effect upon its publication in the official gazette La Gaceta.

En ningún caso podrán dictarse actos contrarios a reglas unívocas de la ciencia o de la técnica, o a principios elementales de justicia, lógica y conveniencia (.)".

Con respecto al contexto en que debe operar la discrecionalidad, la jurisprudencia ha sido reiterativa en los siguientes criterios:

"(...) Todo acto administrativo es el resultado del ejercicio de una potestad. En el caso de actos producto del ejercicio de una potestad discrecional, éstos se componen de elementos legalmente determinados y de otros configurados por la apreciación subjetiva de la Administración ejecutora. La discrecionalidad es esencialmente la libertad de elección que tiene la Administración, de escoger entre una pluralidad de alternativas, todas igualmente justas, según su propia iniciativa, por no estar la solución concreta dentro de la norma. Esta libertad de la Administración no es arbitraria, su existencia tiene su fundamento en la Ley y su ejercicio está delimitado en ésta. (...) En este sentido encontramos que los artículos 15, 16, 17, 160 y 216, inciso 1), de la Ley General de la Administración Pública disponen, que la discrecionalidad está sometida a los límites que le mismo ordenamiento le impone, así como a las reglas de la lógica, la ciencia o de la técnica, y a los principios generales del Derecho, entre los cuales destacan los principios elementales de justicia, de conveniencia y de razonabilidad (...)".Sentencia de la Sala Primera de la Corte Suprema de Justicia Nº19, de las 14:40 horas del 2 de abril de 1997 (.).// Como principio general del Derecho, contenido en el artículo 16 de la Ley General de la Administración Pública, en ningún caso pueden dictarse actos contrarios a reglas unívocas de la ciencia o de la tecnología, o a principios elementales de justicia, lógica o conveniencia, conceptos que se resumen en la razonabilidad y proporcionalidad como parámetros de constitucionalidad (...)". (Sentencia de la Sala Constitucional, Nº5990-94 de las 9:09 horas del 14 de octubre de 199). El subrayado no pertenece al original.

De esta forma, la Intendencia de Agua es competente para analizar técnicamente la procedencia de un ajuste tarifario de oficio para los servicios públicos relacionados con el sector hídrico, ya que estos son de su competencia. Ello, claro está, deberá hacerlo cumpliendo con el procedimiento tarifario regulado en la Ley N°7593 y su respectivo reglamento.

Acorde con lo expuesto, cabe señalar que, el artículo 6 inciso 16 del RIOF, establece que la Junta Directiva de la Aresep, tiene la función de aprobar las metodologías regulatorias que se aplicarán en los diversos sectores regulados bajo su competencia. Dicho reglamento fue publicado en La Gaceta N°105, del 3 de junio de 2013, en el Alcance N°101.

De esta forma, la Junta Directiva de la Autoridad Reguladora de los Servicios Públicos, es competente para emitir las metodologías tarifarias de los servicios públicos, para lo cual deberá seguir el procedimiento de audiencia pública que garantice la participación ciudadana y para la emisión de estas deberá observar el principio de servicio al costo, las reglas de la ciencia y la técnica, y las disposiciones generales referenciadas, relativas al sector agua.

Así las cosas, resulta claro que, la Junta Directiva de Aresep es el órgano competente para formular las metodologías tarifarias de los servicios públicos regulados, incluyendo el suministro del servicio de acueducto y alcantarillado, incluso el agua potable, la recolección, el tratamiento y la evacuación de las aguas negras, las aguas residuales y pluviales, así como la instalación, la operación y el mantenimiento del servicio de hidrantes, y además el servicio de acueducto que prestan las ASADAS, para lo cual deberá seguir el procedimiento de audiencia pública, dispuesto en el artículo 36 de la Ley N°7593, siendo el marco legal anteriormente citado en conjunto, el cual provee la base que faculta a la Aresep para definir la propuesta de la metodología regulatoria objeto de este informe. Por su parte el artículo 21 del RIOF, establece que, el Centro de Desarrollo de la Regulación (CDR), es el responsable del proceso institucional de investigación y desarrollo de la regulación, por lo que, tiene competencias en materia de investigación y estudios, así como en materia de elaboración y discusión de normativa. En ese sentido, definir y establecer las metodologías o modelos tarifarios que determinarán las tarifas de los servicios públicos sometidos a su regulación, se encuentra comprendida dentro de la competencia tarifaria conferida a la Aresep.

En esa línea de análisis, la Procuraduría General de la República (PGR), como ente técnico jurídico consultivo de la Administración Pública, en reiterados pronunciamientos ha afirmado que la definición de metodologías o modelos tarifarios se encuentra comprendida dentro de la competencia exclusiva y excluyente de la Aresep de fijar tarifas. Al respecto véase el dictamen C-416-2014, que cita: "c) La definición de metodologías o modelos tarifarios se encuentra comprendida dentro de la competencia exclusiva y excluyente de la ARESEP de fijar tarifas, sin que se encuentre obligada a coordinar con otras entidades u órganos.". Esa misma posición, ha sido reiterada por la PGR en el dictamen C-023-2017, al establecer que la Aresep, "es el ente competente para establecer las metodologías o modelos tarifarios que determinarán las tarifas de los servicios públicos sometidos a su regulación." Además, se debe indicar que, el establecimiento de metodologías y criterios tarifarios por parte de la Aresep se enmarca claramente dentro de la discrecionalidad técnica que se le ha reconocido a este ente regulador, siempre y cuando se respete el principio del servicio al costo. Lo anterior, es acorde con los artículos 159, 1610, 16011, 21612 de la Ley General de la Administración Pública. Al respecto, la Sala Primera en la sentencia 001687-F-S1-2012, ha reconocido esa discrecionalidad de la Aresep, en el establecimiento de metodologías, al indicar:

9 "(.) Artículo 15.- 1. La discrecionalidad podrá darse incluso por ausencia de ley en el caso concreto, pero estará sometida en todo caso a los límites que le impone el ordenamiento expresa o implícitamente, para lograr que su ejercicio sea eficiente y razonable. 2. El Juez ejercerá contralor de legalidad sobre los aspectos reglados del acto discrecional y sobre la observancia de sus límites. (.)".

10 "(.) Artículo 16.- 1. En ningún caso podrán dictarse actos contrarios a reglas unívocas de la ciencia o de la técnica, o a principios elementales de justicia, lógica o conveniencia. 2. El Juez podrá controlar la conformidad con estas reglas no jurídicas de los elementos discrecionales del acto, como si ejerciera contralor de legalidad. (.)".

11 "(.) Artículo 160.-El acto discrecional será inválido, además, cuando viole reglas elementales de lógica, de justicia o de conveniencia, según lo indiquen las circunstancias de cada caso. (.)".

12 "(.) Artículo 216.- 1. La Administración deberá adoptar sus resoluciones dentro del procedimiento con estricto apego al ordenamiento y, en el caso de las actuaciones discrecionales, a los límites de racionalidad y razonabilidad implícitos en aquél. 2. El órgano administrativo deberá actuar, además, sujeto a las órdenes, circulares e instrucciones del superior jerárquico, dentro de los límites de esta Ley. (.)".

"(.) No existe duda de que la ARESEP puede determinar los modelos de evaluación de solicitudes tarifarias, con base en las estructuras productivas modelo para cada servicio público, según el desarrollo del conocimiento, la tecnología, las posibilidades del servicio, la actividad de que se trate y el tamaño de las empresas prestadoras (parámetros del principio del servicio al costo). Para ello la Ley no. 7593 le otorga un marco de acción bastante amplio (cardinales 6 inciso d) y 29 al 37). No obstante, debe recordarse que la discrecionalidad lo es para elegir en una primera etapa entre uno o varios métodos técnicos que serán los que se aplicarán en un segundo momento después de su formalización (en el procedimiento en sí) (.)." Así las cosas, en aplicación del principio de legalidad (artículos 1113 de la LGAP y 1114 de la Constitución Política), las tarifas deben establecerse de conformidad con los mecanismos debidamente establecidos para tal efecto, mediante el procedimiento que contiene la Ley N°7593 y su reglamento, correspondiendo a la Aresep, la fijación de los precios y tarifas de dichos servicios públicos, así como el establecimiento de las metodologías o modelos tarifarios que las determinarán, según lo dispuesto en la Ley N°7593, el Reglamento a la Ley Reguladora de los Servicios Públicos, N°29732-MP, y el RIOF.

13 "(.) Artículo 11.- 1. La Administración Pública actuará sometida al ordenamiento jurídico y sólo podrá realizar aquellos actos o prestar aquellos servicios públicos que autorice dicho ordenamiento, según la escala jerárquica de sus fuentes. 2. Se considerará autorizado el acto regulado expresamente por norma escrita, al menos en cuanto a motivo o contenido, aunque sea en forma imprecisa. (.)." 14 "(.) Artículo 11.-Los funcionarios públicos son simples depositarios de la autoridad. Están obligados a cumplir los deberes que la ley les impone y no pueden arrogarse facultades no concedidas en ella. Deben prestar juramento de observar y cumplir esta Constitución y las leyes. La acción para exigirles la responsabilidad penal por sus actos es pública. La Administración Pública en sentido amplio, estará sometida a un procedimiento de evaluación de resultados y rendición de cuentas, con la consecuente responsabilidad personal para los funcionarios en el cumplimiento de sus deberes. La ley señalará los medios para que este control de resultados y rendición de cuentas opere como un sistema que cubra todas las instituciones públicas. (.)." Lo anterior, en concordancia con lo dispuesto en el artículo 53, inciso n) de la Ley N°7593, que atribuye a la Junta Directiva de la Autoridad Reguladora de los Servicios Públicos, plena facultad para dictar los reglamentos técnicos que se requieren para la correcta aplicación del marco regulatorio de los servicios públicos establecidos en la Ley N°7593 y las modificaciones de estos; marco legal en que se encuentra sustenta la emisión del presente instrumento regulatorio.

3.2 Sobre la regulación del servicio de suministro de los servicios de acueducto, alcantarillado sanitario e hidrantes en Costa Rica.

El recurso hídrico es regulado en la legislación costarricense desde la Constitución Política. Su artículo 21 establece que, "La vida humana es inviolable" y este derecho fundamental a la vida, viene ligado al derecho a la salud, y con ello, el acceso al agua potable deriva como una garantía de esos derechos.

De este modo, el acceso al agua potable asegura los derechos a la vida, a la salud de las personas -indispensable para su alimento, bebida e higiene- (artículo 21 de la Constitución Política) y, desde luego, está asociado al desarrollo y crecimiento socioeconómico de los pueblos para asegurarle a cada individuo un bienestar y una calidad de vida dignos (artículo 33 de la Constitución Política). Lo anterior de conformidad con jurisprudencia de nuestra Sala Constitucional que, ha emitido resoluciones vinculantes reconociendo como parte del Derecho de la Constitución, el derecho fundamental al agua potable, derivado de los derechos fundamentales a la salud, la vida, al medio ambiente sano, a la alimentación y a la vivienda digna entre otros (Voto N.º 200412263, de 29 de octubre de 2004 de la Sala Constitucional). En similar sentido véase sentencias 2007-17475 del 30 de noviembre de 2007, y 2008-11390, del 22 de julio de 2008.

Recientemente, con la Ley N°9849 del 5 de junio del 2020, se adicionó un párrafo al artículo 50 de la Carta Magna que reconoce y garantiza el derecho humano de acceso al agua:

"(.) Artículo 50. Toda persona tiene el derecho humano, básico e irrenunciable de acceso al agua potable, como bien esencial para la vida. El agua es un bien de la nación, indispensable para proteger tal derecho humano. Su uso, protección, sostenibilidad, conservación y explotación se regirá por lo que establezca la ley que se creará para estos efectos y tendrá prioridad el abastecimiento de agua potable para consumo de las personas y las poblaciones (.)".

Con fundamento en este reconocimiento del acceso al agua como un Derecho Humano, deriva la obligación del Estado de brindar los servicios públicos básicos, lo cual implica que no puede privarse ilegítimamente de ellos a las personas; para ello, los prestadores deben lograr progresivamente y de conformidad con la legislación interna, la plena efectividad de este derecho que se reconoce constitucionalmente.

Finalmente, cabe señalar que el artículo 121 inciso 14.a) de este cuerpo normativo establece que no podrán salir definitivamente de dominio del Estado, las fuerzas que puedan obtenerse de las aguas del dominio público en el territorio nacional.

3.3 Entorno internacional A nivel internacional en relación con la protección del recurso hídrico y este como elemento esencial para la actividad humana se tienen las siguientes disposiciones:

. Resolución A/RES/64/292 del 28 de julio de 2010, emitida por la Asamblea General de las Naciones Unidas:

En julio del 2010, la Asamblea General de la Naciones Unidas, por vez primera, reconoce expresamente el derecho humano al agua y al saneamiento y asume que el agua potable pura y el saneamiento, son esenciales para la realización de todos los derechos humanos.

La Resolución insta a los Estados y a las organizaciones internacionales a proporcionar recursos financieros, a apoyar la capacitación y la transferencia de tecnología para ayudar a los países, en particular a los países en vías de desarrollo, a suministrar unos servicios de agua potable y saneamiento seguros, limpios, accesibles y asequibles para todos. Se indica en esta resolución:

"(.) Reconoce que el derecho al agua potable y el saneamiento es un derecho humano esencial para el pleno disfrute de la vida y de todos los derechos humanos; Exhorta a los Estados y las organizaciones internacionales a que proporcionen recursos financieros y propicien el aumento de la capacidad y la transferencia de tecnología por medio de la asistencia y la cooperación internacionales, en particular a los países en desarrollo, a fin de intensificar los esfuerzos por proporcionar a toda la población un acceso económico al agua potable y el saneamiento (.)." . Resolución HRC/RES/15/9 del Consejo de Derechos Humanos:

En setiembre 2010, el Consejo de Derechos Humanos, toma la resolución HRC/RES/15/9, siguiendo la resolución de la Asamblea General de las Naciones Unidas referenciada. Esta resolución del Consejo de Derechos Humanos de la ONU afirma que el derecho al agua y al saneamiento es parte de la actual ley internacional y confirma que este derecho es legalmente vinculante para los Estados. También exhorta a los Estados a desarrollar herramientas y mecanismos apropiados para alcanzar progresivamente el completo cumplimiento de las obligaciones relacionadas con el acceso seguro al agua potable y al saneamiento, incluidas aquellas zonas actualmente sin servicio o con un servicio insuficiente.

El 25 de setiembre de 2015, se adoptó un conjunto de objetivos globales tendientes a erradicar la pobreza, proteger el planeta y asegurar la prosperidad de todos como parte de una nueva agenda de desarrollo sostenible.

Este acuerdo mundial, correspondiente a la aprobación de los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible (ODS), por parte de los países que integran la Organización de las Naciones Unidas, definen los 17 objetivos globales más relevantes para el desarrollo humano, los cuales deben lograrse durante el período que culmina en el año 2030. Aunque los 17 objetivos están interrelacionados, los siguientes son los que tienen una incidencia más directa en la regulación de servicios públicos:

Objetivo 1: Poner fin a la pobreza en todas sus formas en todo el mundo.

Objetivo 3: Garantizar una vida sana y promover el bienestar para todos en todas las edades.

Objetivo 6: Garantizar la disponibilidad de agua y su gestión sostenible y el saneamiento para todos.

Objetivo 7: Garantizar el acceso a una energía asequible, segura, sostenible y moderna para todos.

Objetivo 9: Construir infraestructuras resilientes, promover la industrialización inclusiva y sostenible y fomentar la innovación.

Objetivo 12: Garantizar modalidades de consumo y producción sostenibles.

Objetivo 13: Adoptar medidas urgentes para combatir el cambio climático y sus efectos.

Específicamente en lo que respecta al Objetivo 6, sea, garantizar la disponibilidad de agua y su gestión sostenible y el saneamiento para todos, se establecen las siguientes metas específicas a cumplir para el año 2030:

6.1 Lograr el acceso universal y equitativo al agua potable a un precio asequible para todos.

6.2 Lograr el acceso a servicios de saneamiento e higiene adecuados y equitativos para todos y poner fin a la defecación al aire libre, prestando especial atención a las necesidades de las mujeres y las niñas y las personas en situaciones de vulnerabilidad.

6.3 Mejorar la calidad del agua reduciendo la contaminación, eliminando el vertimiento y minimizando la emisión de productos químicos y materiales peligrosos, reduciendo a la mitad el porcentaje de aguas residuales sin tratar y aumentando considerablemente el reciclado y la reutilización sin riesgos a nivel mundial.

6.4 Aumentar considerablemente el uso eficiente de los recursos hídricos en todos los sectores y asegurar la sostenibilidad de la extracción y el abastecimiento de agua dulce para hacer frente a la escasez de agua y reducir considerablemente el número de personas que sufren falta de agua.

6.5 Implementar la gestión integrada de los recursos hídricos a todos los niveles, incluso mediante la cooperación transfronteriza, según proceda.

6.6 Proteger y restablecer los ecosistemas relacionados con el agua, incluidos los bosques, las montañas, los humedales, los ríos, los acuíferos y los lagos.

6.a Ampliar la cooperación internacional y el apoyo prestado a los países en desarrollo para la creación de capacidad en actividades y programas relativos al agua y el saneamiento, como los de captación de agua, desalinización, uso eficiente de los recursos hídricos, tratamiento de aguas residuales, reciclado y tecnologías de reutilización.

6.b Apoyar y fortalecer la participación de las comunidades locales en la mejora de la gestión del agua y el saneamiento.

La importancia del Objetivo 6 de la ODS, se debe a que, a pesar de que, el acceso al agua, saneamiento e higiene es un derecho humano, actualmente miles de millones de personas, siguen enfrentándose diariamente a enormes dificultades para acceder a los servicios más elementales y una adecuada prestación del servicio de agua y saneamiento, siendo esencial cumplir con las metas referenciadas, para lograr los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible, incluidos los relativos a la salud y a la igualdad de género. Al respecto, las Naciones Unidas ha indicado que:

"(.) Concienciar sobre estos cometidos y convertirlos en medidas concretas producirá resultados ventajosos para todos y conllevará una mayor sostenibilidad e integridad de los sistemas humanos y ecológicos. Más de 2 millones de personas mueren cada año por enfermedades diarreicas en todo el mundo. La falta de higiene y el agua insalubre son responsables de casi el 90% de estas muertes, y afectan principalmente a los niños. Mediante la gestión sostenible de nuestros recursos hídricos, podemos también gestionar mejor nuestra producción de alimentos y energía y contribuir al trabajo decente y al crecimiento económico.

Además, podemos preservar nuestros ecosistemas hídricos y su diversidad biológica, y adoptar medidas para combatir el cambio climático (.)." De esta forma, el Objetivo de Desarrollo Sostenible 6 (ODS 6) de la Organización de las Naciones Unidas, reconoce que la gestión sostenible del agua no solo incluye lograr el acceso al agua potable y a servicios de saneamiento adecuados (metas 6.1 y 6.2) sino también implica abordar la materia en un contexto más amplio, incorporando temas como la calidad del agua y la gestión de las aguas residuales, la escasez y el uso eficiente del agua, la gestión de los recursos hídricos, y la protección y el restablecimiento de los ecosistemas relacionados, aspectos que, efectivamente deben ser considerados dentro de los instrumentos regulatorios que desarrolla e implementa Aresep.

3.4 Sobre los Planes Nacionales y políticas sectoriales entorno al suministro de los servicios de acueducto, alcantarillado sanitario e hidrantes en Costa Rica.

Existen una serie de planes nacionales que afectan todo el quehacer nacional y, por lo tanto, deben ser considerados en la planificación a largo plazo de todas las instituciones públicas y específicamente en lo que respecta a la Aresep, en el desarrollo e implementación de instrumentos regulatorios. Entre ellos, cabe destacar los siguientes:

- Política Nacional de Saneamiento en Aguas Residuales 2016-2045 En 2016 se establece la Política Nacional de Saneamiento en Aguas Residuales 2016-2045, cuyos enfoques son:

- Derecho humano al saneamiento.

- Sustentabilidad ambiental.

- Sostenibilidad económica.

- Participación ciudadana.

- Valorización de las aguas residuales tratadas.

Esta Política tiene como principal objetivo lograr, para el año 2045, el manejo seguro del total de las aguas residuales generadas en Costa Rica, como garantía de que las aguas residuales no afecten al medio ambiente ni a la salud, implementando sistemas de tratamiento individuales o colectivos para que la población costarricense cuente con un medio ambiente más seguro, sano y sostenible.

Se incluye un diagnóstico del estado del saneamiento en el país, se determinan los problemas y se brindan soluciones para solventarlos, tales como la generación de nueva infraestructura, la búsqueda de la sostenibilidad financiera de los servicios, la participación ciudadana, el fortalecimiento de las instituciones y normas para la gestión integrada de los recursos.

Los objetivos específicos de esta Política son:

-Lograr la articulación del sector de saneamiento y tratamiento de aguas residuales de acuerdo con la revisión normativa y con la coordinación y fortalecimiento de las instituciones.

-Fortalecer la gestión de saneamiento de aguas residuales ordinarias y especiales a través del aprovechamiento de los instrumentos actuales y la creación de nuevos, en caso de ser requeridos.

- Mejorar las coberturas en alcantarillado y tratamiento de aguas residuales a través de la planificación, priorización y ejecución de infraestructura física segura y con diseño universal.

- Mejorar la sostenibilidad financiera del sector saneamiento, a través de un modelo de financiamiento integral, de participación con enfoque social y permanente.

- Incentivar la participación ciudadana con conocimientos e información para el desarrollo de una estructura nacional que propicie el adecuado manejo sanitario de las aguas residuales.

- Política Nacional de Agua Potable (2017-2030, PNAP) El 26 de enero del 2018 se lanzó la Política Nacional de Agua Potable (2017-2030, PNAP), cuyo objetivo es:

"(.) Procurar el acceso al agua potable por medio de la protección del recurso hídrico, y el fortalecimiento de las capacidades de los actores relacionados con la prestación del servicio, para contribuir a la salud, bienestar y desarrollo del país (.)." Esta Política se basa en los siguientes enfoques:

- Derecho Humano al Agua Potable.

- Desarrollo Sostenible y Sustentable del Ambiente.

- Igualdad y Equidad de Género.

- Sostenibilidad Financiera y Económica.

- Participación Ciudadana.

Cuenta con cuatro ejes: la promoción de una nueva cultura del agua, la inversión en infraestructura y servicio, la gobernanza del agua potable y la gestión ambiental.

La nueva cultura del agua pretende favorecer el conocimiento y actitudes en la población sobre la adecuada gestión del recurso hídrico. Por su parte, el eje de infraestructura busca modernizar las instalaciones e invertir en infraestructura resiliente (con capacidad preventiva y de respuesta ante eventos adversos).

La gobernanza del agua potable apunta a mejorar la gestión social y la participación de la ciudadanía, fortalecer las capacidades de las instituciones y promover las alianzas público-comunitarias y público-privadas para habilitar los servicios donde se requieran. Por último, el eje de gestión ambiental promueve la planificación, los monitoreos de las cuencas hidrográficas y los acuíferos, así como la gestión del riesgo para la reducción de los desastres.

3.5 Sobre las políticas regulatorias de la Aresep para el servicio público.

Resolución RE-0231-JD-2020, "Política Regulatoria sobre el Acceso al Agua Potable y Saneamiento de Aguas Residuales".

El 22 de setiembre de 2020, mediante la resolución RE-0231-JD-2020, la Junta Directiva de la Aresep, aprobó la "Política Regulatoria sobre el Acceso al Agua Potable y Saneamiento de Aguas Residuales", mediante la cual, se establecieron objetivos de política institucional en materia regulatoria de acceso al agua potable y saneamiento de aguas residuales, con el fin de coadyuvar a través de instrumentos regulatorios, a fortalecer la Política Nacional de acceso al agua, no solo mediante el aseguramiento del abastecimiento del agua potable en condiciones de calidad, confiabilidad, continuidad, oportunidad y prestación óptima, sino también mediante el tratamiento y disposición de las aguas residuales (que incluye las servidas y pluviales); de tal forma que se tenga una visión circular e integral de este abastecimiento, considerando todos los aspectos técnicos, económicos, sociales y ambientales del ciclo del agua.

Cabe señalar que, lo anterior resulta conforme con lo dispuesto 53 inciso a) que dispone como uno de los principales deberes y atribuciones de la Junta Directiva de la Aresep "Definir la política y los programas de la Autoridad Reguladora, de conformidad con los principios y objetivos de esta Ley". De esta forma, la política regulatoria en materia de acceso al agua potable y al saneamiento de las aguas residuales supra citada, constituye una herramienta válida y eficaz para coadyuvar al cumplimiento de las Políticas Nacionales del sector agua y al cumplimiento del respectivo mandato constitucional recientemente aprobado. Este instrumento regulatorio, busca cumplir entre otros con los siguientes objetivos de la política regulatoria contenida en la resolución RE-0231-JD-2020:

- Elaborar instrumentos regulatorios para asegurar la accesibilidad económica:

Procurar que el sistema tarifario se diseñe considerando un régimen progresivo de pago, asegurando el acceso al agua potable a los consumidores de menos recursos económicos, de tal manera que la dimensión de las redes necesarias favorezca en el trazado de su construcción a los consumidores con mayores necesidades de mantener su salud.

- Respaldar el acceso al financiamiento de las inversiones necesarias:

Respaldar el acceso a financiamiento óptimo de las inversiones en acueductos y alcantarillados para mejorar la eficiencia y eficacia de las inversiones.

Resolución RE-0206-JD-2021, "Política Regulatoria de la Autoridad Reguladora de los Servicios Públicos" El 5 de octubre de 2021, mediante la resolución RE-0206-JD-2021, la Junta Directiva de la Aresep, aprobó la "Política Regulatoria de la Autoridad Reguladora de los Servicios Públicos", mediante la cual, se estableció un marco orientador para las acciones a desarrollar por la Aresep tendientes a la consecución del valor público.

Los principios de calidad, servicios al costo, participación, equidad, inclusividad, sostenibilidad, universalidad, transparencia y eficiencia, son los principios orientadores de esta Política Regulatoria, los cuales, acotan propiedades esenciales para el alcance de los resultados esperados.

La independencia de las acciones y decisiones fortaleciendo el marco procedimental, técnico y legal que permita la toma de decisiones apegadas a la legalidad y consecuentes con el interés público; la objetividad y la imparcialidad sobre las decisiones regulatorias equilibrando las necesidades de los usuarios y prestadores para garantizar la eficiencia, eficacia, calidad, equidad, costo y sostenibilidad ambiental; la mejora constante de la gestión institucional, siguiendo las mejores prácticas y la búsqueda de la frontera del conocimiento para el desarrollo de una regulación adaptada y oportuna al contexto, siguiendo mecanismos eficaces y eficientes valorando distintos enfoques regulatorios como la regulación comparada, procurando el alcance del valor público de la regulación; el diálogo y participación social con los diferentes tipos actores desde la comprensión de sus múltiples particularidades para generarmecanismos claros de comunicación, interacción e información sobre las funciones y acciones institucionales; el reconocimiento de los derechos individuales y universales de cada persona para acceder a los servicios públicos esenciales, protegiendo y velando por el desarrollo humano y la integridad de cada persona; la igualdad de género entre hombres y mujeres en cuanto al acceso y disfrute de los servicios públicos regulados y la identificación de las particularidades y necesidades de cada territorio a nivel nacional en relación con los servicios públicos regulados, son los 7 enfoques diferentes que tiene esta Política Regulatoria.

Esta Política Regulatoria define además los pilares que orientarán las acciones regulatorias que debe emprender la Autoridad Reguladora de los Servicios Públicos en los próximos años.

La regulación con enfoque de derechos como primer pilar aboga por el reconocimiento de la diversidad de usuarios de los servicios públicos regulados, con sus respectivas características, condiciones y necesidades inmersas en los grupos poblacionales que se enmarcan en los territorios, en el género, la etnia, la condición socioeconómica y entre otras particularidades.

Por su parte, la regulación para la calidad de los servicios públicos, como segundo pilar, refiere a que, la calidad es la conformidad de las propiedades o características de los bienes y servicios que integran el contenido del servicio público de que se trate, con parámetros éticos, jurídicos, económicos, socioculturales y técnicos, objetivos y subjetivos, previamente establecidos, para satisfacer el fin perseguido.

Desde el punto de vista jurídico objetivo, entre los parámetros de calidad se encuentran los principios del servicio público que deben ser cumplidos a cabalidad, así como el sometimiento obligatorio del prestador a la reglamentación técnica y, la aceptación voluntaria de la normalización técnica aplicable; y, desde el punto de vista subjetivo, y un proceso de mejora continua de la satisfacción de la persona usuaria.

La Autoridad Reguladora velará por que los servicios públicos se presten de manera eficiente y eficaz, procurando que la regulación sea capaz de adaptarse de forma oportuna a los cambios del entorno y a eventos de fuerza mayor. La regulación buscará la asequibilidad de los servicios públicos para la población y contribuirá con la competitividad del país. Es decir, una regulación que promueva la eficiencia constituye el tercer pilar de la Política Regulatoria.

La regulación con propósito como cuarto pilar de esta Política Regulatoria, refiere a que la regulación de los servicios públicos es un proceso complejo que debe confirmar constantemente su valor público para la sociedad. La complejidad de esta tarea se profundiza en el marco de una realidad en constante evolución impulsada por los avances tecnológicos, de las necesidades de la población y de los modelos de prestación de los servicios públicos, por lo que, para mantener su valor público, la regulación debe entonces considerar esos cambios y adaptarse para mantener su relevancia y contribuir de manera proactiva a alcanzar los objetivos sociales y económicos bajo su responsabilidad.

Una regulación comprometida con el desarrollo sostenible, como quinto pilar de esta Política Regulatoria, busca una regulación que promueva el desarrollo sostenible entendido éste como aquel desarrollo que es capaz de satisfacer las necesidades actuales sin comprometer los recursos y posibilidades de las futuras generaciones. El concepto integra a la dimensión social, ambiental y económica. En el ámbito social requiere del desarrollo de las personas, comunidades y culturas en el marco de una calidad de vida, salud y educación adecuada y equitativa. En la dimensión económica busca impulsar un crecimiento económico equitativo que no comprometa al medio ambiente.

En el plano ambiental, requiere de la protección del medio ambiente, la conservación de los recursos naturales y su uso de manera que no comprometa la solvencia ambiental de las futuras generaciones. Para esto se procurará combatir el cambio climático mediante acciones que promuevan la descarbonización y la transición energética hacia fuentes renovables.

4. JUSTIFICACIÓN Los servicios de agua son vitales para el bienestar general de la sociedad y estratégicos para el desarrollo nacional. El acceso a los servicios de agua constituye un derecho humano fundamental tutelado por la Constitución Política y por diferentes cuerpos normativos e instrumentos internacionales de derechos humanos, razón por la cual es una prioridad nacional.

Sobre este particular, cabe indicar que, la Asamblea General de Naciones Unidas, en su Resolución A/64/l.63/Rev.1 del 26 de Julio del 2010 "Declara el derecho al agua potable y el saneamiento como un derecho humano esencial para el pleno disfrute de la vida y de todos los derechos humanos".

En el mismo sentido, el Consejo de Derechos Humanos, reafirma que, el derecho humano al agua potable y el saneamiento se deriva del derecho a un nivel de vida adecuado y está indisolublemente asociado al derecho al más alto nivel posible de salud física y mental, así como al derecho a la vida y la dignidad humana.

Por su parte, la Constitución Política, en su artículo 50, enuncia el derecho a un ambiente sano y ecológicamente equilibrado, el cual se logra, entre otros factores, a través de la protección y conservación de la calidad y cantidad del agua para consumo y uso humano para mantener el equilibrio ecológico de la biosfera como patrimonio común de la humanidad. Recientemente a este artículo, se adicionó el reconocimiento expreso del derecho humano fundamental e irrenunciable de acceso al agua potable y a su saneamiento, así como su condición de bien de dominio público, mediante la Ley N°9849 del 5 de junio de 2020.

De este modo, el acceso al agua potable asegura los derechos a la vida, a la salud de las personas -indispensable para su alimento, bebida e higiene- (artículo 21 de la Constitución Política) y, desde luego, está asociado al desarrollo y crecimiento socioeconómico de los países para asegurarle a cada individuo un bienestar y una calidad de vida dignos (artículo 33 de la Constitución Política y 11 del Protocolo Adicional a la Convención Americana sobre Derechos Humanos). Lo anterior de conformidad con jurisprudencia de la Sala Constitucional que, ha emitido resoluciones vinculantes reconociendo como parte del Derecho de la Constitución, el derecho fundamental al agua potable, derivado de los derechos fundamentales a la salud, la vida, al medio ambiente sano, a la alimentación y a la vivienda digna entre otros (Voto N.º 200412263, de 29 de octubre de 2004 de la Sala Constitucional).

Aunado a lo anterior, cabe señalar que, el Objetivo de Desarrollo Sostenible 6 (ODS 6) de la Organización de las Naciones Unidas reconoce que la gestión sostenible del agua no solo incluye lograr el acceso al agua potable y a servicios de saneamiento adecuados (metas 6.1 y 6.2) sino también implica abordar la materia en un contexto más amplio, incorporando temas como la calidad del agua y la gestión de las aguas residuales, la escasez y el uso eficiente del agua, la gestión de los recursos hídricos, y la protección y el restablecimiento de los ecosistemas relacionados.

Finalmente, no se omite indicar que, mediante la resolución RE-0231-JD-2020 del 22 de setiembre de 2020, la Junta Directiva de la Aresep aprobó la "Política Regulatoria sobre el Acceso al Agua Potable y Saneamiento de Aguas Residuales", mediante la cual, se establecieron objetivos de política institucional en materia regulatoria de acceso al agua potable y saneamiento de aguas residuales con el fin de coadyuvar a través de instrumentos regulatorios a fortalecer la Política Nacional de acceso al agua, no solo mediante el aseguramiento del abastecimiento del agua potable en condiciones de calidad, confiabilidad, continuidad, oportunidad y prestación óptima, sino también mediante el tratamiento y disposición de las aguas residuales (que incluye las servidas y pluviales); de tal forma que se tenga una visión circular e integral de este abastecimiento, considerando todos los aspectos técnicos, económicos, sociales y ambientales del ciclo del agua.

Por lo anterior, esta propuesta de modificación de la resolución RE-0044-JD-2019 "Metodología tarifaria para los servicios de Acueducto, Alcantarillado e Hidrantes (MTAAH)", publicada en el alcance N° 59 a La Gaceta del 18 de marzo del 2019, permitirá, por medio de un instrumento regulatorio mejorado, fortalecer las acciones necesarias para garantizar el efectivo cumplimiento de los objetivos de la "Política Regulatoria sobre el Acceso al Agua Potable y Saneamiento de Aguas Residuales", emitida por la Junta Directiva de la Aresep, en atención de la reciente modificación del artículo 50 de la Constitución Política.

Según la Encuesta Nacional de Hogares del 2021, el 73% de las viviendas están conectadas a un tanque séptico, el 25% conectado a alcantarilla o cloaca. Mientras un 1% vierten el agua del servicio por medio de una corriente natural de agua (excusado de hueco u otro sistema semejante) y un 0.28% indica que no tiene servicio sanitario.

De los datos de esta encuesta se observa que en las regiones Chorotega y Huetar Caribe el 100% de las conexiones de alcantarillado tienen saneamiento, mientras en el caso de la Brunca es cerca del 90% y en la Pacífico Central el 80%. Por otro lado, del total de conexiones de alcantarillado de la Región Metropolitana únicamente el 31% tiene y Central Oeste el 30%. En cuanto a la ESPH, este representa el 22%. La situación del país en materia de saneamiento es crítica.

En la Agenda 2030, en el objetivo de desarrollo sostenible ODS6 está construido sobre la base de los derechos humanos al agua y al saneamiento DHAS). El objetivo invita a todos y cada uno de los actores del sector a revisar sus prioridades políticas y acciones para lograr estas metas establecidas para 2030 en esta agenda global para el desarrollo, que por motivo de la pandemia del Covid-19 posiblemente se desfacen las metas para fechas más lejanas.

La ONU reconoció los derechos al agua y al saneamiento para todas las personas en 2010. Si bien este fue un paso importante, todavía hay un camino por recorrer para garantizar el cumplimiento universal de estos derechos, principalmente el saneamiento, que a la fecha no contaba con la preponderancia debida.

La implementación del enfoque de derecho para el servicio de saneamiento, con énfasis en reducir las desigualdades en el acceso a través de herramientas, iniciativas piloto y estudios que permitan asegurar el acceso para las poblaciones más vulnerables y normalmente marginalizadas requiere de mecanismos innovadores para su logro.

El derecho al saneamiento significa que toda persona debe tener acceso físico y económico, en todas las esferas de la vida, que sea seguro, higiénico, aceptable social y culturalmente, que proporcione privacidad y asegure la dignidad. Entre los ejes transversales de este derecho está la no discriminación y la igualdad, el acceso a la información y la transparencia, la participación y la sostenibilidad del servicio para evitar problemas de salud pública y ambientales como la contaminación de la mayoría de los ríos del país que dan servicio como cuerpos receptores incluido ya nuestras costas. En el país todos los servicios evolucionan, excepto el servicio de saneamiento.

Por lo tanto, hay que buscar instrumentos de financiación orientados a alcanzar la universalidad, la sostenibilidad y la asequibilidad del servicio de saneamiento para todos los que somos parte de la externalidad.

De seguido en esta sección se resumen elementos que permiten dimensionar la importancia del acceso a los servicios de agua, alcantarillado e hidrantes, los problemas que se enfrentan y los desafíos regulatorios que plantea la prestación óptima de estos servicios.

Importancia del agua para el bienestar de los hogares.

El suministro de agua potable es un insumo esencial para las tareas del hogar, dado que se requiere para actividades como la preparación de alimentos, higiene personal, lavandería, limpieza, cuidados infantiles y de otras personas en condiciones de discapacidad, enfermedad o adultas mayores. La realización de estas labores es fundamental para el bien común y el bienestar de los integrantes de cada familia.

Según la Encuesta Nacional de Ingresos y Gastos (ENIGH) 2018, el gasto de los hogares en servicios relacionados con el suministro de agua fue de un 1,58% del gasto familiar y de un 1,01% del ingreso familiar. Sin embargo, si se consideran la división por deciles de ingreso, ese gasto representó un 2,78% del gasto total y 5,32% del ingreso familiar de los hogares pertenecientes al primer decil (10% de los hogares con menor ingreso); mientras, para el caso del décimo decil (10% de los hogares con mayor ingreso), representó el 0,90% del gasto total y 0,41% del ingreso familiar.

En general, la disponibilidad del acceso al agua potable mejora sustancialmente la productividad y bienestar de las familias, al permitir la producción de servicios domésticos esenciales. Por tanto, es fundamental facilitar el acceso universal del agua a los hogares, pues la escasez, la falta de acceso o disponibilidad, así como la contaminación de ese recurso hídrico limitan el desarrollo social y reducen la calidad de vida de las personas.

Participación del sector productivo en el consumo de agua.

A su vez, el suministro de agua es un insumo clave para el desarrollo de las actividades productivas y el desarrollo económico del país. Para diciembre del 2020, la categoría tarifaria empresarial representa el 12% del consumo de agua en el AyA y el 15% del consumo en la ESPH.

Desafíos establecidos en el Plan Estratégico Institucional de Aresep.

En el Plan Estratégico Institucional de Aresep (PEI) para el periodo de 2017 a 2022 se establece:

Definir instrumentos de regulación con sustento fáctico, análisis de sensibilidad, escenarios y comparaciones internacionales que promuevan la eficiencia y la innovación en la prestación de servicios públicos.

Velar por el cumplimiento de la prestación de los servicios públicos al costo, incorporando criterios de calidad, costos, equidad social, sostenibilidad ambiental e incentivos a la productividad que aseguren el desarrollo y sostenibilidad de las actividades.

Esta propuesta de modificación de la metodología para el cálculo de las tarifas del servicio regulado de acueductos y alcantarillados está orientada hacia el objetivo de atender lo establecido en el PEI, mediante una mejora del instrumento de regulación vigente.

Problemas comunes de los principales prestadores.

Agua no facturada.

El agua no facturada está compuesta por el consumo no facturado, pérdidas comerciales y pérdidas técnicas. En conjunto, estos factores constituyen uno de los desafíos más importantes para la gestión de los servicios de agua potable. Relación entre mano de obra y capital.

Es importante señalar el incremento sostenido en los costos laborales de los últimos años, aumentos que reflejan un cambio en la intensidad factorial. En una industria de infraestructura de red, como la de los servicios de acueductos y alcantarillados se esperaría una intensiva inversión en capital, que represente un mayor costo en utilización de capital, en comparación con los costos laborales utilizados; sin embargo, los datos muestran una relación capital trabajo (K/L) que ha disminuido en los últimos años, por ejemplo, para el AyA la relación del costo de capital con respecto al costo del trabajo ha pasado de 1,14 en 2005 a 0,48 en 2015. Apalancamiento e inversión.

La relación de pasivos a activos totales a diciembre de 2013 fue cercana al 10% para AyA y al 29% para ESPH, S.A. Esto indica que existe espacio para un uso planificado y prudente del apalancamiento financiero, a fin de acelerar el proceso de inversión y evitar incrementos desproporcionados en las tarifas a corto plazo. El apalancamiento también es una herramienta para promover una mayor equidad intergeneracional, evitando en lo posible que las tarifas de las generaciones actuales subsidien innecesariamente a las siguientes.

Sostenibilidad técnica y económica.

El proceso de planificación y ejecución de inversiones ha resultado insuficiente para cubrir las necesidades del país, por lo que es necesario cerrar progresivamente la brecha originada en el rezago de inversiones, tanto en rehabilitación o sustitución de sistemas con vida útil avanzada, vencida, o con alto grado de deterioro, como en la ampliación de los sistemas para responder a las necesidades de un servicio adecuado y niveles similares a los observados en prestadores internacionales eficientes.

Hidrantes.

La ejecución eficiente y eficaz del Programa de Hidrantes (PHI) es indispensable para proveer agua de manera oportuna y suficiente en las ubicaciones designadas por el Benemérito Cuerpo de Bomberos de Costa Rica, contribuyendo así a la protección de la vida y propiedad de los ciudadanos. La estimación de los recursos para ejecutar el PHI debe originarse en un proceso formal de planificación basado en los requerimientos vinculantes de dicho cuerpo.

Este proceso debe estar debidamente documentado, aprobado por el prestador y debe ser informado de manera oportuna a la Aresep. La Autoridad Reguladora otorgará por medio de la tarifa los recursos prioritarios e indispensables para cubrir las acciones de operación, inversión y financiamiento de este programa, según el marco legal aplicable.

Justificación específica de los cambios propuestos.

El trabajo realizado para sustentar esta propuesta partió de identificar oportunidades de mejora en las secciones de costos y gastos totales de operación, mantenimiento y administrativos, rédito para el desarrollo, base tarifaria e inversiones, así como otras consideraciones que aclaran distintas partes del proceso de cálculo tarifario, sin llegar a plantear cambios de fondo o cambios del enfoque metodológico que sustentan la resolución vigente.

Uno de los cambios propuestos es remover el último párrafo del apartado 5.3.4 de la resolución RE-0044-JD-2019 "Metodología tarifaria para los servicios de acueducto, alcantarillado e hidrantes (MTAAH)". Este párrafo indica lo siguiente: "Para todos los servicios "i" se utilizará el volumen a facturar del servicio de acueducto, excepto para el caso de alcantarillado, que se ajustará por el porcentaje de cobertura real del servicio (m3 consumidos por los abonados que tienen servicio de alcantarillado, dividido entre el total de m3 facturados por la empresa)".

La exclusión de este párrafo se propone con base en los siguientes argumentos:

• c)La estimación del volumen de metros cúbicos (m3) a utilizar en el cálculo de las tarifas para todos los servicios "i" se realizará con base en un análisis de demanda mediante el uso de las técnicas que la Aresep considere apropiadas, siempre que dichas técnicas sean justificadas y cumplan con los criterios estadísticos y econométricos que se establecen con base en la ciencia, técnica, y lógica; tal y como lo establece el artículo 16 de la Ley General de la Administración Pública.

Hidrantes.

• d)Se elimina de la metodología vigente la especificación realizada para el cálculo de los m3 del servicio de alcantarillado; por lo tanto, queda a decisión del criterio técnico de la Intendencia de Agua, el seleccionar el mecanismo que considere más apropiado para estimar dicho volumen. En cada estudio tarifario esta estimación debe estar justificada, debidamente motivada y trazable.

En resumen, los principales cambios propuestos y su debida justificación son los Siguientes:

| TEMA 1 Proyección del gasto por salarios (remuneraciones) | | --- | | RE-0044-JD-2019. | | Este gasto se debe proyectar, para lo cual, el dato base parte del último dato del periodo "t-1", proveniente a la contabilidad regulatoria y se proyecta; con base en la inflación esperada anual, del programa Macroeconómico de BCCR, para obtener el dato de los próximos 5 años, por último, se incluyen nuevas adiciones justificadas y aprobadas por la IA. | | PROPUESTA. | | Se utiliza como referencia el decreto de salarios mínimos o la política salarial que disponga el prestador, el instrumento que se emplee como referencia deberá ser aportado por el prestador. Tanto la política salarial como los cálculos que se derivan del uso de estos instrumentos deben justificarse técnica, legal y financieramente. | | JUSTIFICACIÓN. | | Es una modificación que mejora la forma de realizar las proyecciones salariales. En principio los ajustes salariales van por debajo de los de la inflación, de tal forma que la propuesta pretende evitar una indexación automática del rubro. |

| PROPUESTA. | | --- | | Se incluye un mayor detalle de los componentes de los costos que forman parte del COMA, por ejemplo: "EPIiet = Costos y gastos por estudios de pre-inversión de proyectos..."; "PAiet = Gastos por partidas amortizables..."; "Gper= Gasto por pérdida de retiros de activos...". Además, se elimina el componente "OGiet = Otros costos o gastos en que incurran los operadores, necesarios para brindar el servicio. comprende todo aquel costo asociado con la prestación del servicio que no esté incluido en las cuentas descritas anteriormente en las variables de la fórmula". | | JUSTIFICACIÓN. | | Es una reformulación de rubros de costos. Se hacen explícitos componentes de costo que ya están considerados en la metodología tarifaria vigente, pero estaban de manera agregada e implícita. | | TEMA 3 Proyecciones con inflación | | --- | | RE-0044-JD-2019. | | En la especificación se indica: ".se debe proyectar . con base en la inflación esperada anual del Programa Macroeconómico del BCCR." | | PROPUESTA. | | ". Para las proyecciones de los índices mensuales locales se utilizará la meta de inflación en su valor mínimo del rango de tolerancia, publicada por el Banco Central de Costa Rica en su Programa Macroeconómico (última actualización disponible). ." | | JUSTIFICACIÓN. | | Implica un cambio textual en la variable de referencia. Corresponde a la formalización de la variable que se utiliza normalmente en las fijaciones tarifarias. | | TEMA 4 Formalización de la actualización por índices | | --- | | RE-0044-JD-2019. | | No se encuentra formalizada | | PROPUESTA. | | Se formaliza el método de proyección de costos y gastos por medios de índices, con la definición del índice de actualización local, índice de actualización externo e | | índice de actualización compuesto para las proyecciones de costos y gastos totales de operación, mantenimiento y administración. | | --- | | JUSTIFICACIÓN. | | Corresponde con la formalización de un proceso que actualmente se realiza en las fijaciones tarifarias, pero no estaba indicado | TEMA 5 Equivalencia a colones de tasas y costo de capital propio | | --- | | RE-0044-JD-2019. | | No se definen procesos de colonización del rendimiento | | PROPUESTA. | | Se incluyen un procedimiento para realizar equivalencia a colones de las tasas en dólares o en otras monedas diferentes al colón | | -Equivalencia a colones del costo de capital propio | | JUSTIFICACIÓN. | | "Estas ecuaciones responden a una formalización de procesos actuales y en aplicación en la IA, que conlleva a una mejora sobre la redacción de metodología actual. | | El planteamiento define aspectos como: fuente de información, periodos de análisis o referencia, uso de monedas distintas al USD y colón, entre otros. | | Se requiere revisar los procesos aplicados en aplicaciones de la metodología actual, para verificar que coincidan los periodos, fuentes y el proceso de dolarizar todas la monedas -incluso el colón-." | | TEMA 6 Base tarifaria | | --- | | RE-0044-JD-2019. | | La base tarifaria se define en la fórmula 6 como igual al activo fijo neto en operación revaluado promedio del servicio o actividad "i" de la empresa "e" para el periodo "t". | | PROPUESTA. | | La base tarifaria se compone del activo fijo neto en operación revaluado promedio destinado a la prestación del servicio más el capital de trabajo. (Se define en la fórmula 14). | | JUSTIFICACIÓN. | | Es de amplia aplicación en la regulación económica, reconocer en el cálculo de las tarifas, como parte del valor de la base tarifaria un monto que se corresponde con el capital de trabajo que necesita la empresa para operar. | | --- | | TEMA 7 Revaluación de activos | | RE-0044-JD-2019. | | La revaluación de activos (ecuación12) se plantea por medio de la aplicación de un índice compuesto de revaluación de activos (ecuación13) que se estima de la sumatoria del índice local (ecuación14) y el índice externo (ecuación15). | | Las fórmulas consideran variables como el tipo de cambio, índices de precios nacionales, índices de precios externos, entre otros. | | PROPUESTA. | | Se realiza la revaluación de activos de acuerdo con la aplicación de las normas NIIF. El valor del Activo Fijo Revaluado (AFR) se mantendrá constante en los periodos en los cuales no se realicen revaluaciones, excepto por la inclusión del efecto de los retiros y traslados de activos. Es decir, el AFR se actualizará por concepto de revaluación únicamente cuando se valoren los activos del prestador de conformidad con la normativa NIIF aplicable. | | En otras palabras, la revaluación de activos por medio de índices de precios deja de ser el único y expreso mecanismo utilizado para revaluar activos. | | JUSTIFICACIÓN. | | Se pasa de considerar la realización de la revaluación de activos únicamente por medio de índices de precios, en el tanto que, con la propuesta actual, según la aplicación de criterios NIIF se vigila que no haya diferencia significativa entre los registros contables y el valor razonable, en caso de haberlo se procede con estudio razonado y justificado. | | TEMA 8 Depreciación acumulada de los activos fijos revaluados (DAFR) | | --- | | RE-0044-JD-2019. | | En la formulación de la DAFR se incluye la revaluación de la depreciación de las adiciones netas de los activos fijos revaluados (RevDep). | | PROPUESTA. | | En la formulación de la DAFR no se incluye la revaluación de la depreciación de las adiciones netas de los activos fijos revaluados (RevDep) debido que esta revaluación se realiza por medio de índices de revaluación y con la aplicación de las normas NIIF este efecto queda ya incluido en el valor razonable. | | JUSTIFICACIÓN. | | --- | | En la metodología vigente se considera la revaluación de las depreciaciones de adiciones netas, en esta propuesta se elimina este rubro dado que los montos correspondientes quedan incluidos en la revaluación misma. | | TEMA 9 Porcentaje de ejecución de las inversiones | | --- | | RE-0044-JD-2019. | | El porcentaje de ejecución de las inversiones reconocidas se estima de la cantidad de obras construidas y equipos instalados durante el año -periodo t-; siendo el cociente entre las inversiones ejecutadas y las reconocidas por la IA. | | PROPUESTA. | | El porcentaje de ejecución de las inversiones reconocidas se estima como el promedio del cociente entre las inversiones ejecutadas y las reconocidas por la IA para 5 años (año base y 4 años anteriores) | | JUSTIFICACIÓN. | | El objetivo de ajustar la forma de estimar el porcentaje de ejecución de inversiones es evitar que cambios bruscos en esa ejecución provoquen inestabilidad de las tarifas vigentes. | | TEMA 10 Volumen de agua a facturar (alcantarillado) | | --- | | RE-0044-JD-2019. | | Para todos los servicios "i" se utilizará el volumen a facturar del servicio de acueducto, excepto para el caso de alcantarillado, que se ajustará por el porcentaje de cobertura real del servicio (m3 consumidos por los abonados que tienen servicio de alcantarillado, dividido entre el total de m3 facturados por la empresa). | | PROPUESTA. | | Eliminar párrafo en la presente propuesta. | | JUSTIFICACIÓN. | | Se elimina la descripción detallada de los cálculos para determinar el volumen de agua a facturar en el servicio de alcantarillado y se deja espacio para el análisis y la justificación técnica que la IA debe realizar al hacer los cálculos y los análisis requeridos para hacer la fijación de tarifas, tanto para acueductos como para alcantarillado e hidrantes. | 5 . OBJETIVOS 5.1. Objetivo general de la metodología Actualizar el instrumento tarifario vigente para introducir mejoras en los métodos para la determinación de los ingresos, costos y rédito para el desarrollo necesarios para el suministro del servicio regulado "i" (acueducto, alcantarillado e hidrantes).

5.2. Objetivos específicos de la metodología a. Introducir mejoras y actualizaciones del procedimiento de fijación tarifaria ordinaria y extraordinaria, para cada uno de los servicios regulados "i", que coadyuven a mejorar la prestación del servicio.

b. Estimar los costos totales y la demanda del servicio "i" para el periodo en que estará vigente la nueva fijación tarifaria.

6. ALCANCE El alcance del resultado que se obtenga por la aplicación de esta metodología será extensivo para:

a. Todo el territorio nacional en los servicios públicos regulados: (i) acueducto, (ii) alcantarillado e (iii) hidrantes, excepto los servicios prestados por las municipalidades. Por tanto, aplica para el AyA, la ESPH y para cualquier otro operador legalmente autorizado para prestar el servicio y que cumpla con las condiciones establecidas en este modelo.

b. Las fijaciones de carácter ordinario.

c. Las fijaciones de carácter extraordinario por la actualización del canon de regulación. En este caso procede lo establecido en la sección 8. "Actualización del canon de regulación por vía extraordinaria".

d. La determinación del costo total y el costo medio del servicio "i" por aplicar en la nueva fijación tarifaria.

7. MODELO GENERAL Esta metodología tarifaria delimita y precisa las reglas para calcular los ingresos esperados suficientes para atender los costos y gastos regulatorios necesarios para la prestación del servicio más un monto de rédito para el desarrollo (Se detalla en la ecuación 29), para cada fijación ordinaria para los servicios de (i) acueducto, (ii) alcantarillado e (iii) hidrantes; y en las fijaciones extraordinarias por modificación del canon de regulación.

Las solicitudes para las fijaciones de tarifas objeto de la aplicación de la metodología ordinaria, serán sometidas al proceso de audiencia pública, con los plazos y requisitos de este tipo de proceso de acuerdo con los artículos 36 y 37 de la Ley N° 7593 y sus reformas, tanto para las solicitudes planteadas por los prestadores del servicio u otros actores facultados por la Ley, como para las aplicaciones de oficio por parte de la Aresep.

La consulta pública es el mecanismo de participación ciudadana al que se deben someter las aplicaciones de la metodología extraordinaria. Para ello, se aplicará el procedimiento establecido en el artículo 361 de la Ley General de Administración Pública o el que se encuentre vigente para consultas públicas de la Autoridad Reguladora. Para efectos del plazo de 15 días naturales establecido en el artículo 43 del Decreto Ejecutivo 29732-MP (Reglamento a la Ley 7593) o la norma que lo sustituya al momento de aplicación de la metodología, se tomará como fecha de iniciación del trámite la fecha de la publicación de la convocatoria a consulta pública en La Gaceta.

Para determinar los ingresos esperados se requiere el cálculo de los siguientes componentes: a) costos y gastos totales necesarios para la prestación del servicio, b) rédito para el desarrollo c) base tarifaria, d) volumen de agua a facturar, e) estimación de la demanda.

La presente propuesta se establece con base en la metodología de tasa de retorno y el concepto de servicio al costo eficiente, de tal forma que define la forma de calcular los ingresos esperados suficientes para atender los costos y gastos necesarios para la prestación del servicio, que se incurren en una operación eficiente de la actividad regulada, más un monto de rédito para el desarrollo que permite una retribución competitiva sobre el capital invertido y un adecuado desarrollo de la actividad. Estos ingresos esperados deben procurar el equilibrio entre las necesidades de los usuarios y los intereses de los prestadores de los servicios públicos.

Los resultados de la aplicación de los anteriores conceptos permitirán el cálculo de un precio o tarifa media total, que es la base fundamental para el cálculo de la estructura tarifaria que posteriormente definirá la Intendencia de Agua. Elementos como las inversiones necesarias y los niveles de endeudamiento asociados a dichas inversiones impactan en el cálculo tarifario por medio de los rubros de la depreciación, los gastos financieros y la base tarifaria; estos valores son requeridos, a su vez, para el cálculo del valor absoluto de la rentabilidad necesaria para la eficiente y eficaz operación del servicio regulado. Esta metodología no se fundamenta en criterios de flujo de fondos y su análisis.

Los datos que provengan de los Estados Financieros deben ser Auditados, separados por servicio y homologados a los reportes que se establezcan en la Contabilidad Regulatoria de la Intendencia de Agua y a las normas NIIF, en casos en los que se argumente y se justifique debidamente la imposibilidad de cumplir en ese momento con las normas NIIF, la Intendencia de Agua definirá un plan de gradualidad para llegar a ese cumplimiento. Estos reportes de información deben adjuntarse al momento de presentar la solicitud de ajuste tarifario en un formato editable y trazable. En caso de que se empleen otra información distinta a la incluida en los Estados Financieros, se requiere indicar su fuente.

La aplicación del modelo descrito requiere de la revisión, depuración y cálculo de la información económica, contable, financiera, ingenieril y estadística para el periodo base por utilizar en la presente metodología. El periodo base será representado por la variable "t=0" y es el periodo de análisis considerado en el estudio de ingresos, costos, gastos y rédito, como el período que da sustento a todos los cálculos tarifarios, período que se define como el más reciente del cual se dispone de estados financieros debidamente auditados.

De tal forma que el periodo base provee la información base o insumo principal para las estimaciones y proyecciones que se requieren para los siguientes periodos del análisis de la solicitud tarifaria o del estudio de oficio, a saber: t=0 = Es el periodo anual base, definido en función de que es el año del cuál se dispone del más reciente estado financiero auditado. Este período base provee la información insumo para las estimaciones o proyecciones de ingresos, costos, gastos y rédito, que se requieren para configurar los cálculos tarifarios de los siguientes periodos incluidos en el análisis de la solicitud tarifaria. Los datos provenientes de los estados financieros auditados, así como los otros datos no contables, pero asociados a ese período base, necesariamente requieren del análisis y aceptación de la Aresep.

Para datos provenientes de otras fuentes de información diferentes a la contable, se corresponden con el valor o valores observados, registrados y reportados por el prestador del servicio, analizados y aceptados por la Aresep. t=1 = Periodo de transición que comprende desde el primer día natural inmediatamente posterior al periodo t=0 hasta la fecha en que inicia la vigencia de la nueva tarifa. En caso de que este período sea menor a un año calendario o al período fiscal, se deben hacer los cálculos respectivos para anualizar los datos con las tarifas vigentes y con las nuevas tarifas aprobadas. Puede ser que (t=1) + (t=2) sea el año calendario inmediatamente posterior al t=0. También se puede presentar el caso en el que el período de transición (t=1) sea de varios años calendario, esto puede llegar a suceder cuando la empresa no presente estados financieros auditados durante varios años.

t=2 = Periodo inicial en el que estará vigente el ajuste tarifario, comprende desde la fecha en la que inicia la vigencia de la nueva tarifa, hasta el fin de ese año calendario.

t=3 = Primer periodo anual completo en el que estará vigente el ajuste tarifario recomendado y aprobado, comprende un año calendario completo inmediatamente posterior a t=2.

7.1. Costos y gastos totales de operación, mantenimiento y administración (COMAiet) Son costos y gastos operativos, de mantenimiento y administrativos indispensables para prestar el servicio "i", del prestador "e" para el periodo "t", de acuerdo con lo definido por el ente Regulador. Todos los costos y gastos deben ser justificados. La fuente de información de mayor importancia para el cálculo de la línea base son los Estados Financieros Auditados consolidados. A partir de esta información y con lo que se establezca en la Contabilidad Regulatoria se realizará la separación de los costos por actividad y los niveles de cuenta y subcuenta". En los casos en los cuales la naturaleza de la información que se requiere obliga a utilizar otras fuentes de información se debe justificar técnicamente el uso de dicha fuente. Los componentes del COMAiet se detallan en la siguiente ecuación:

Ecuación 1 Donde:

COMAiet = Costos y gastos totales de operación, mantenimiento, administración y otros costos y gastos indispensables en que incurran los prestadores para brindar el servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t". Los costos y gastos reconocidos deben garantizar al prestador la sostenibilidad, continuidad y calidad del servicio regulado.

OyMiet = Costos y gastos de operación y mantenimiento en que incurren los prestadores para brindar el servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t". Entre otros rubros de costos, en este ítem se deben incorporar los siguientes costos: Costos por potabilización (operación y mantenimiento de sistemas de potabilización, compra de productos químicos) y los costos relacionados con el control operativo de calidad del producto (gestión interna, compra de reactivos para medición de parámetros directamente por el prestador) Se proyecta utilizando el método de actualización por índices, con excepción de gastos particulares que se actualizan mediante criterios definidos en el apartado 7.1.1. denominado "Metodología de proyección de costos y gastos totales de operación, mantenimiento y administración".

Para los costos o gastos no recurrentes, se verifica que en realidad lo sean y que estén justificados, las partidas no recurrentes deben ser claramente identificadas en la solicitud de ajuste tarifario. Si la justificación aportada por el prestador no demuestra su relación con el servicio, se excluyen.

ADMINiet = Costos y gastos administrativos. Representan la proporción de los costos y gastos de unidades o departamentos de apoyo asignados para el servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t".

Para los costos o gastos no recurrentes, se verifica que en realidad lo sean y que estén justificados, las partidas no recurrentes deben ser claramente identificadas en la solicitud de ajuste tarifario. Si la justificación aportada por el prestador no demuestra su relación con el servicio, se excluyen.

Los prestadores regulados deberán aportar la propuesta debidamente justificada que detalle los diferentes conductores para la distribución del gasto de lo contrario Aresep definirá la forma general de distribuir los costos para el análisis tarifario respectivo. El prestador establecerá previamente una metodología de distribución de los costos y gastos dentro de las actividades del regulado, y deberá suministrar a la Aresep, dicha metodología de distribución de los costos y gastos utilizada, con el fin de dar transparencia a los datos utilizados para el cálculo tarifario. Este podrá utilizar distintos conductores de acuerdo con la naturaleza de la partida, entre ellos: lo referido a los gastos y costos conjuntos (ej. planta general) y los que ya son propios del servicio según contabilidad regulatoria separada por servicio.

? Ingresos.

? Cantidad de funcionarios.

? Metros de área utilizados.

? Salarios (mano de obra).

? Demanda de servicios.

? Otros.

EPIiet = Costos y gastos por estudios de pre-inversión de proyectos. En esta fase se desconoce si estos proyectos se van a ejecutar. Incluye las actividades relacionadas con la factibilidad de los posibles proyectos u obras a construir. Se proyecta utilizando el método de actualización por índices, considerando el servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t".

Cregiet = Canon regulación. Monto autorizado por la Contraloría General de la República (CGR), como pago por los servicios de regulación. Para su asignación, se considera la contribución porcentual de los ingresos del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t", respecto a los ingresos totales. Su actualización se realizará por la vía del procedimiento extraordinario de ajuste de precios, una vez que la Contraloría General de la República haya publicado la respetiva actualización de los cánones.

DEPiet = Gasto por depreciación. Es el monto resultante de aplicar el método de depreciación definido para cada caso según las tablas de depreciación establecidas por Aresep, para cada servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t". Se obtiene de la suma de la depreciación al costo (Se detalla en la ecuación 23) y la depreciación revaluada del periodo (Se detalla en la ecuación 26).

Para cualquier otro caso en que no se encuentre la información requerida para aplicar el método de depreciación, se recurrirá a revisar las tablas equivalentes del Ministerio de Hacienda y, en último caso, las especificaciones técnicas de la casa fabricante del activo en cuanto a vida útil y valor de rescate.

PAiet = Gastos por partidas amortizables. Corresponde al gasto por software y licencias según la vida útil, tiempo en uso y monto de adquisición. En general, considera la amortización de intangibles para cada servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t".

Gperiet = Gastos por pérdidas de retiros de activos para brindar el servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t". En esta cuenta se registran las pérdidas incurridas al retirar un activo productivo .

SGiet = Gasto por seguros. En esta cuenta se registran los contratos de seguros para cada servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t".

GCOMERiet = Gasto por servicios comerciales para brindar el servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t". Corresponden a los gastos por Lecturas, Facturación, Cobro y Servicio al Cliente y cualquier otro gasto de esta naturaleza, con las diferentes subcuentas que se citaron en las cuentas anteriores, según se ha establecido en la Contabilidad Regulatoria.

GCALIDADiet = Gasto incurrido para el control de la calidad del producto y del servicio a través de servicios de laboratorios independientes, técnica y administrativamente del prestador del servicio público, que cuenten con ensayos debidamente acreditados por el Ente Costarricense de Acreditación (ECA), para garantizar el cumplimiento de la normativa vigente en que incurre el operador para brindar el servicio "i", del operador "e", para el periodo "t".

GELECTRiet = Gasto por electricidad en los procesos operativos de mantenimiento, administrativos, comerciales y de calidad para brindar el servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t".

GIMPUESTOiet = Gasto por tasas e impuestos en que incurre para brindar el servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t". Corresponde entre otros a los gastos del Impuesto al Valor Agregado (IVA) o cualquier otro gasto de esta naturaleza que sea establecido en la Contabilidad Regulatoria.

i = Servicio público regulado (acueducto, alcantarillado, hidrantes).

e = Prestador del servicio público regulado por Aresep.

t = Periodos anuales del cálculo tarifario, "t=0" es el periodo base.

La variable "t" toma valores de 0, 1, 2 y 3.

7.1.1. Metodología de proyección de costos y gastos totales de operación, mantenimiento y administración La proyección de los costos indicados anteriormente se realiza mediante dos tipos de métodos: actualización de índices local o externo, según el origen del gasto correspondiente para la mayoría de los rubros de gasto; o utilizando criterios específicos para algunos rubros en particular. Estos métodos se detallan en las secciones 7.1.1.1. y 7.1.1.2.

7.1.1.1. Actualización por índices En estos casos las actualizaciones se realizan utilizando el índice que mejor se ajuste a los gastos y costos que se está analizando, lo cual deberá ser justificado y obedecer a una variación de éstos en el tiempo. Según la naturaleza de la cuenta, se podrá aplicar tres tipos de actualizaciones, uno totalmente local, uno totalmente externo o uno que sea una combinación de componente local y externo, que dependerá de las proporciones de cada uno de los anteriores en los gastos y costos que se van a actualizar.

7.1.1.1.A. Índice de actualización local Se aplica cuando los gastos se efectúan dentro del país y no son afectados por variaciones del tipo de cambio o inflación externa. El factor de actualización local se obtiene según la siguiente ecuación:

Ecuación 2 Donde:

𝐅𝐀𝐋𝐭 = Factor de actualización local para el periodo "t".

𝐈𝐏𝐗𝐋𝐭 = Índice de precios promedio local para el periodo "t". Es el índice de precios promedio local del año para el que se realiza el cálculo, estimado mediante la media aritmética simple de los índices de precios mensuales del año para el que se realiza el cálculo.

𝐈𝐏𝐗𝐋(𝐭?𝟏) = Índice de precios promedio local para el periodo inmediatamente anterior al periodo "t". Es el índice de precios promedio local del año anterior para el que se realiza el cálculo. Se obtiene como una media aritmética simple de los índices de precios mensuales del año anterior al que se utiliza en el numerador.

L = Local t = Periodos anuales del cálculo tarifario, "t=0" es el periodo base.

La variable "t" toma valores de 0, 1, 2 y 3.

Para la actualización por medio del factor local se seleccionará el índice de precios costarricense que mejor se ajuste a la variable que se debe actualizar, para lo cual se deberá aportar la respectiva justificación técnica. Cabe destacar que, para cada proyección debe estar justificado el valor base y el índice a utilizar, posterior a la verificación del uso adecuado de estos valores, la proyección resultante se considera como justificada, una vez verificado el cálculo aritmético correspondiente.

Para las proyecciones de los índices mensuales locales se utilizará la meta de inflación en su valor mínimo del rango de tolerancia, publicada por el Banco Central de Costa Rica en su Programa Macroeconómico (última actualización disponible).

Para los casos de FALt donde el "t" asume valores de 2 y 3, se mantiene la secuencia de utilizar en el numerador los datos para el año del cálculo y en el denominador el del respectivo año inmediatamente anterior.

Para proyectar los índices mensuales por medio de la meta de inflación se requiere que el dato sea ajustado a valores mensuales, empleando la siguiente forma:

Ecuación 3 Donde:

MI? = Meta de inflación mensualizada MI? = Meta de inflación anualizada. La meta de inflación en su valor mínimo del rango de tolerancia publicada por el Banco Central de Costa Rica en su Programa Macroeconómico (última actualización disponible).

? = Mensual ? = Anual 7.1.1.1.B. Índice de actualización externo Se aplica el factor de actualización externo cuando los rubros de gastos y costos que están vinculados con compras en el exterior o que tengan un alto componente externo, en este caso el factor pondera la variación en el tipo de cambio (colones se deben convertir a dólares de los Estados Unidos de América (USD)) y la inflación externa. El cálculo se realiza de la siguiente forma:

Ecuación 4 Donde:

𝐅𝐀𝐄𝐭 = Factor de actualización externo para el periodo "t".

𝐈𝐏𝐗𝐄𝐭 = Índice de precios promedio externo para el periodo "t". Es el índice de precios promedio externo del año para el que se realiza el cálculo, estimado mediante la media aritmética simple de los índices de precios mensuales del año para el que se realiza el cálculo.

𝐈𝐏𝐗𝐄(𝐭?𝟏) = Índice de precios promedio externo para el periodo inmediatamente anterior al periodo "t". Es el índice de precios promedio externo del año anterior para el que se realiza el cálculo. Se obtiene como una media aritmética simple de los índices de precios mensuales del año anterior al que se utiliza en el numerador.

Tcvt = Tipo de cambio de Venta (CRC/USD) promedio del año para el que se realiza el cálculo tarifario. Si los datos son históricos, deben ser los reportados por el Banco Central de Costa Rica; si son estimaciones o proyecciones, serán las que valide la Intendencia de Agua (IA). Se calcula como la media aritmética de los datos diarios disponibles para el año t, donde t puede tomar valores de igual 0, 1, 2 y 3.

Tcvt-1 = Tipo de cambio de Venta (CRC/USD) promedio del año anterior al que se realiza el cálculo tarifario. Si los datos son históricos, se refieren a los reportados por el Banco Central de Costa Rica; si son estimaciones o proyecciones, serán las que valide la Intendencia de Agua (IA). Se calcula como la media aritmética de los datos diarios disponibles para el año anterior al que se utiliza en el numerador.

E = Externo.

t = Periodos anuales del cálculo tarifario, "t=0" es el periodo base.

La variable "t" toma valores de 0, 1, 2 y 3.

Para el índice de precios externo se recurrirá a los índices de precios de los Estados Unidos de América, los datos se toman de la página web del Bureau of Labor Statistic (http://www.bls.gov) de los Estados Unidos de América. Se seleccionará el índice de precios que mejor se ajuste para la actualización de los gastos y costos para lo cual se deberá aportar la respectiva justificación técnica. Para la proyección Donde: de los índices externos mensuales se utiliza la variación interanual del índice al último mes disponible de información. Para proyectar los índices mensuales por medio de la variación interanual se requiere que el dato sea ajustado a valores mensuales, empleando la siguiente forma:

Ecuación 5 Donde:

VI? = Variación interanual mensualizada.

VI? = Variación interanual anualizada. La variación interanual del índice al último mes disponible del índice de precios externo de los índices de precios de los Estados Unidos de América, los datos se toman de la página web del Bureau of Labor Statistic (http://www.bls.gov) de los Estados Unidos de América.

? = Mensual.

? = Anual.

En caso de variaciones importantes en el entorno económico, por caso fortuito o fuerza mayor debidamente justificados, y que no se logre obtener un índice de precios oficial de los Estados Unidos de América, se puede emplear su equivalente de una zona económica relevante a nivel mundial, para esto, las variables expresadas en USD se convertirán a la moneda referencia de la zona seleccionada según el tipo de cambio promedio del año para el que se realiza el cálculo tarifario.

7.1.1.1.C. Índice de actualización compuesto Los índices de actualización calculados anteriormente son ponderados de acuerdo con la participación relativa del componente local y externo de los gastos y costos, estimados mediante la siguiente ecuación:

Ecuación 6 Donde:

𝑭𝑨𝑪𝒕 = Factor de actualización compuesto para el periodo "t".

𝐅𝐀𝐋𝐭 = Factor de actualización local para el periodo "t". Se detalla en la ecuación 2.

%𝐋𝐠 = Participación relativa del componente local de gastos.

𝐅𝐀𝐄 𝐭 = Factor de actualización externo para el para el periodo "t". Se detalla en la ecuación 4.

%𝐄𝐠 = Participación relativa del componente externo de gastos.

L = Local.

E = Externo.

t = Periodos anuales del cálculo tarifario, "t=0" es el periodo base.

La variable "t" toma valores de 0, 1, 2 y 3.

El prestador definirá el porcentaje de participación relativa entre el componente interno y externo, para lo cual, en cada caso, periódicamente deberá realizar las actualizaciones correspondientes de estos componentes e indicar los criterios empleados en la ponderación y adjuntar la respectiva justificación técnica.

7.1.1.2. Criterios específicos para rubros en particular En la proyección de los gastos y costos, señalados en la sección 7.1.1., se podrán utilizar criterios específicos, según la naturaleza de los gastos y costos, criterios que serán validados por la Intendencia de Agua (IA) según la ciencia, la técnica y la lógica, así como la normativa aplicable vigente.

Los aspectos específicos para cada gasto y costo aquí señalados deben ser considerados para la proyección con criterios específicos o para la proyección por medio de índices de actualización, cuando no se establezca un criterio adicional específico de proyección.

Gastos por salarios. Incluye los montos por remuneraciones salariales y las cargas sociales asociadas. Se utiliza como referencia el decreto de salarios mínimos o la política salarial que disponga el prestador, el instrumento que se emplee como referencia deberá ser aportado por el prestador. Tanto la política salarial como los cálculos que se derivan del uso de estos instrumentos deben justificarse técnica, legal y financieramente. Los prestadores regulados deben presentar el rubro de salarios (salarios base y sus componentes, cuando tenga esta desagregación), y las cargas sociales separados en el estado de resultados tarifario. Además, deberán de presentar la conciliación de salarios con los reportados a la Caja Costarricense del Seguro Social (CCSS). Si estos registros afectan a otros sectores, debe aportarse información para estos.

Nuevas contrataciones: El tope máximo del crecimiento de la planilla estará definido por el porcentaje de crecimiento de las ventas en unidades físicas del servicio regulado, su área de cobertura y número de usuarios. El incremento por reconocer como plazas nuevas se obtiene del producto de la cantidad de empleados existente multiplicada por el porcentaje de crecimiento de las ventas en unidades físicas, área de cobertura y número de usuarios del servicio regulado. Para calcular el salario que se aplicará a esas plazas nuevas, se tomará el salario correspondiente y sus cargas sociales, de cada uno de los nuevos puestos solicitados en el estudio tarifario. En el caso de que exista un decrecimiento en las ventas en unidades físicas del servicio regulado, se podrán incluir plazas nuevas en el cálculo tarifario sujeto a la presentación de la respectiva justificación técnica, la cual será analizada por la Aresep.

Servicios contratados o contratos con terceros: Se incorpora una vez que se justifique y demuestre la razonabilidad del monto indicado en el contrato, y se valoran los pagos establecidos con base en criterios técnicos y las ecuaciones de ajuste. En estos casos, se revisa el contrato aportado, su vigencia, la forma de las actualizaciones y los montos; pudiéndose incorporar el costo reflejado en estos contratos, así como sus actualizaciones, como base de estimación. De lo contrario, se mantiene el mismo valor del año base utilizado en la estimación tarifaria.

Gastos por seguros: Los prestadores regulados deben presentar el detalle de cada una de las pólizas de seguros con las que cuentan, adjuntando copia de los contratos y pagos realizados en el año base y las estimaciones de pagos para los años proyectados, los criterios de asignación para las pólizas de uso común y cualquier otra información que se considere relevante.

La información por reportar debe ser acorde con lo establecido en las Normas Internacionales de Información Financiera (NIIF) sobre los contratos de seguros o en su efecto la norma internacional que se llegue a acoger a nivel nacional, además el prestador debe velar por mantener los detalles de los contratos de seguros disponibles y actualizados, auxiliares, las políticas de seguimiento de esos contratos, entre otras medidas que garanticen la transparencia y trazabilidad de sus registros.

Gasto por depreciación (DEPiet): Se debe utilizar el método de depreciación lineal, ya que éste supone que el activo sufre un desgaste constante con el paso del tiempo, para lo cual, se considera el valor del activo y su valor residual; la base depreciable del activo se distribuye a lo largo de su vida útil, dicha proporción corresponde al gasto de depreciación en un periodo dado. Se deben utilizar tablas de depreciación previamente avaladas por (1) Aresep, (2) por el Ministerio de Hacienda y (3) en última instancia se utilizarán las indicaciones asociadas al concepto de depreciación emitidas por el fabricante del activo. De la información aportada, debe ser posible identificar la depreciación por tipo de activo.

Gastos por partidas amortizables (PAiet): El prestador deberá de aportar la vida útil, el monto indicado y la fecha de adquisición del activo, así como, la justificación técnica de su comportamiento y su relación con el servicio que se está regulando.

En el caso que no se adjunte dicha información, se utilizará una vida útil de máximo 3 años.

Gastos por pérdidas de retiros de activos (Gperiet): Este gasto se obtiene de la base tarifaria y corresponde a los retiros al costo más los retiros revaluados, deduciendo la depreciación de los retiros al costo y la depreciación de los retiros revaluados.

GCALIDADiet =. Estos se estimarán con base a los requerimientos de la normativa vigente, las tarifas establecidas por los colegios profesionales y por índices según característica especifica del gasto.

GELECTRiet = Corresponde al gasto por electricidad. La base del gasto para la proyección se obtiene mediante el promedio simple de los últimos dos años con información obtenida de los estados financieros auditados correspondientes al periodo "t=0" y su año inmediatamente anterior, y se proyecta con el indicador que mejor se ajuste a su comportamiento o según lo establecido en la metodología de proyección de índices.

GIMPUESTOiet = Corresponde al gasto por tasas e impuestos, entre ellos el Impuesto al Valor Agregado (IVA), que debe asumir el prestador del servicio, se considera como base la información proveniente de los estados financieros auditados y para proyectar este gasto se aplica el texto de la Ley y Reglamentos que los creó, sobre el último dato del periodo("t=0"). En el caso del Gasto por IVA este es el equivalente al gasto que no es reconocido como deducible como crédito fiscal por el Ministerio de Hacienda, después de aplicada la "Prorrata" que indica la Ley 9635 y el Reglamento correspondiente al Título I de la Metodología del Impuesto.

7.2. Rédito para el desarrollo (RDiet) El rédito para el desarrollo se calcula mediante la multiplicación de la tasa de rédito para desarrollo por la base tarifaria, con el objetivo de brindar al prestador recursos que permitan una retribución competitiva y garantizar el adecuado desarrollo de la actividad.

El rédito para el desarrollo se calcula de la siguiente manera:

Ecuación 7 Donde:

RDiet = Rédito para el desarrollo del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t".

TRiet = Tasa de rédito para el desarrollo del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t". Se obtiene mediante la aplicación del Costo Promedio Ponderado de Capital (Weighted Average Cost of Capital, WACC por sus siglas en inglés). Se detalla en la ecuación 8.

𝐁𝐓𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Base tarifaria del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t".

La base tarifaria está compuesta por el valor total del activo fijo neto en operación revaluado promedio (AFNORP) más el capital de trabajo (CT). Se detalla en la ecuación 14.

i = Servicio regulado (acueducto, alcantarillado e hidrantes).

e = Prestador de servicios regulados por Aresep.

t = Periodos anuales del cálculo tarifario, "t=0" es el periodo base.

La variable "t" toma valores de 0, 1, 2 y 3.

7.2.1. Tasa de rédito para el desarrollo El cálculo de la tasa de rédito para el desarrollo se realiza mediante la aplicación del Costo Promedio Ponderado del Capital (Weighted Average Cost of Capital, WACC por sus siglas en inglés) según se muestra en la siguiente expresión algebraica. Para realizar una solicitud tarifaria se requiere que el prestador del servicio adjunte la información de todas las variables que componen el cálculo de la tasa de rédito para el desarrollo (TRiet) para el año base t=0 y este valor se va a mantener constante durante t=1, t=2 y t=3, esto porque no se dispone de información para la proyección de todas las variables.

Ecuación 8 Donde:

TRiet = Tasa de rédito para el desarrollo del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t".

rdiet = Tasa del capital financiado del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t". Es el costo del endeudamiento, se calcula como una tasa de interés promedio ponderado. Ver el procedimiento para obtener esta tasa, según lo detallado en la sección 7.2.1.1. denominada "Costo del endeudamiento".

𝐦iet = Tasa impositiva del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t". Se supone igual a cero (0), según acuerdo 15-149-99 de la J nta Directiva de la Autoridad Reguladora (acta de la Sesión 149-99 del 19 de agosto de 1999) o lo que en su momento disponga la Junta Directiva.

𝐤𝐩iet = Tasa del capital propio del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t". Es el costo de los aportes de capital propio. Para el cálculo de esta variable se utiliza el Modelo de Valoración de Activos de Capital (CAPM, por sus siglas en inglés), ver el procedimiento para obtener esta tasa, según lo detallado en sección 7.2.1.2. denominada "Costo de los aportes de capital propio".

Diet = Valor de la deuda del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t". Se considera únicamente las obligaciones con costo financiero del servicio "i". Este dato se obtiene a partir de la Contabilidad Regulatoria e información complementaria a esta, que la Aresep establezca.

Kiet = Valor del capital correspondiente a recursos propios o patrimonio del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t". Este dato se obtiene a partir de la Contabilidad Regulatoria e información complementaria a esta, que la Aresep establezca.

Aiet = Definido como la sumatoria de la deuda y del patrimonio (Diet + Kiet) del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t". Este dato se obtiene a partir de la Contabilidad Regulatoria e información complementaria a esta, que la Aresep establezca.

Diet/Aiet = Porcentaje de capital financiado con deuda del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t". Se considera únicamente las obligaciones con costo financiero del servicio "i".

Kiet/Aiet = Porcentaje de capital correspondiente a recursos propios del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t". Se considera la cuenta contable total patrimonio para el servicio "i".

i = Servicio regulado (acueducto, alcantarillado, hidrantes).

e = Prestador de servicios regulados por Aresep.

t = Periodos anuales del cálculo tarifario, "t=0" es el periodo base.

Para este caso, en el t=1, t=2 y t=3 se va a mantener constante el valor de t=0.

7.2.1.1. Costo del endeudamiento Para obtener el costo del endeudamiento se calcula el promedio ponderado de la sumatoria de los gastos financieros por pago de intereses entre el total de la deuda. Estos gastos financieros son producto de obligaciones formalizadas mediante documentos oficiales, por pagar suscritos con entidades financieras. Para su estimación se aplica la siguiente fórmula.

Ecuación 9 Donde:

rdiet = Tasa del capital financiado del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t". Es el costo del endeudamiento, se calcula como una tasa de interés promedio ponderado.

𝐃𝐰𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Monto de cada deuda "w" del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t". Es el monto de la obligación de largo plazo con costo financiero "w" formalizada mediante documentos oficiales.

El monto de cada préstamo se asocia con cada uno de los pasivos de largo plazo con costo financiero y se obtienen de los Estados Financieros Auditados y homologados a los reportes que se establezcan en la Contabilidad Regulatoria de la Intendencia de Agua e información complementaria a esta, que la Aresep establezca. Esta variable al ser tomada de los estados financieros y la contabilidad regulatoria se encuentra expresada en colones.

𝐑𝐰𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Tasa de interés de cada deuda "w" del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t". Es la tasa de interés de los saldos de los pasivos de largo plazo con costo financiero, en colones o equivalente a colones, producto de obligaciones formalizadas mediante documentos oficiales. El dato de la tasa de interés se obtiene de los contratos con el acreedor de la deuda, o de los Estados Financieros Auditados y homologados a los reportes que se establezcan en la Contabilidad Regulatoria de la Intendencia de Agua e información complementaria a esta, que la Aresep establezca.

Cuando la tasa de interés del endeudamiento se encuentre expresado en dólares o en otra moneda distinta al colón se debe aplicar el procedimiento descrito en la sección 7.2.1.1.A. denominada "Procedimiento para realizar equivalencia a colones de las tasas en dólares o en otras monedas diferentes al colón" para obtener la equivalencia a colones y el resultado obtenido para "Rwiet" se incorpora en esta ecuación.

w = Cada obligación con costo financiero que se encuentra pendiente de pago para el periodo "t".

Q = Total de obligaciones de largo plazo con costo financiero que se encuentra pendiente de pago para el periodo "t".

i = Servicio regulado (acueducto, alcantarillado, hidrantes).

e = Prestador de servicios regulados por Aresep.

t = Periodos anuales del cálculo tarifario, "t=0" es el periodo base.

Para este caso, en el t=1, t=2 y t=3 se va a mantener constante el valor de t=0.

El prestador deberá entregar a más tardar el 30 de junio de cada año a la Aresep, los Estados Financieros Auditados correspondientes al periodo fiscal del año anterior y homologados a los reportes que se establezcan en la Contabilidad Regulatoria de la Intendencia de Agua, mediante una versión electrónica en donde se detalle el procedimiento seguido por el prestador 7.2.1.1.A. Procedimiento para realizar equivalencia a colones de las tasas en dólares o en otras monedas diferentes al colón Para calcular la tasa equivalente en colones de los endeudamientos que se encuentra en dólares se utiliza la teoría de la Paridad de Tipos de Interés Cubierta, la cual establece que la diferencia en los tipos de interés es igual a la variación futura del tipo de cambio, que se expresa en la siguiente ecuación:

Ecuación 10 Donde:

Rwiet = Tasa de interés de cada deuda "w" del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t".

𝐓𝐈𝐰𝐢𝐞𝐭$ = Tasa de interés de los saldos de los pasivos de largo plazo con costo financiero, en dólares o equivalente en dólares, de la deuda "w" del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t". Es la tasa de interés de los pasivos de largo plazo con costo financiero, en dólares o equivalente a dólares, producto de obligaciones formalizadas mediante documentos oficiales. El dato de la tasa de interés se obtiene de los contratos con el acreedor de la deuda, o el dato de la Contabilidad Regulatoria e información complementaria a esta, que la Aresep establezca.

VTC¢$ = Tasa de la variación esperada (expectativa de mercado) del colón respecto al dólar para el ajuste tarifario. La variación se estima utilizando el dato de las "expectativas de variación cambiaria de mercado a 12 meses" del colón respecto al dólar, correspondiente al último dato disponible al momento de realizar la estimación o el cálculo tarifario, según corresponda, publicado por el BCCR. El resultado de este valor se toma para t=0 y este valor se mantiene para t=1, t=2 y t=3.

w = Cada obligación con costo financiero que se encuentra pendiente de pago para el periodo "t".

¢ = Colones de Costa Rica.

$ = Dólares de los Estados Unidos de América (USD).

i = Servicio regulado (acueducto, alcantarillado, hidrantes).

e = Prestador de servicios regulados por Aresep.

t = Periodos anuales del cálculo tarifario, "t=0" es el periodo base.

Para este caso, en el t=1, t=2 y t=3 se va a mantener constante el valor de t=0.

El resultado de esta ecuación para cada deuda "w" se debe incorporar en el cálculo de la ecuación 9.

En caso de que la deuda se presente en otra moneda diferente al dólar (o al colón), se deberá expresar su equivalencia primero a dólares; para lo cual, se debe utilizar la información del "Tipo de cambio del dólar estadounidense para otras monedas" publicado por el BCCR y se estima la tasa de variación correspondiente para los 12 meses anteriores al último dato disponible al momento de realizar la estimación o el cálculo tarifario, según corresponda. Una vez que la tasa esté dolarizada se deberá colonizar siguiendo lo indicado en la ecuación 10.

En caso de que no se disponga la información requerida en la fuente de referencia, se podrán utilizar otras fuentes de información similar, siempre y cuando, se califique y valore su confiabilidad y se justifique técnicamente su utilización.

7.2.1.2. Costo de los aportes de capital propio Se utiliza el CAPM para estimar el costo del capital propio. Este modelo se basa en considerar que los cambios en el retorno de un activo están relacionados con el riesgo asociado a éste y puede ser separado en dos grandes componentes: el riesgo relacionado con el mercado en su conjunto (riesgo sistémico) y el derivado de las inversiones específicas (riesgo específico).

Para estimar el costo de capital propio "kpiet" se debe expresar la equivalencia a colones del resultado de la aplicación del CAPM dado que la información utilizada está basada en tasas expresadas con moneda en dólares americanos, se considera necesario realizar una equivalencia a colones, ya que la parte de la ecuación 8 (WACC) que compone el endeudamiento "rdiet" está expresado en colones, por lo que se propone utilizar, de modo análogo, la paridad de tipos de interés cubierta. Dicha "condición de paridad establece que el diferencial entre la tasa de interés en moneda local y en moneda extranjera es igual a la variación cambiaria esperada (Durán & Tenorio, 2008, pág. 8)"15, lo anterior, también es consistente con lo planteado por Rojas (1997)16, quién a su vez indica:

15 Durán, R., & Tenorio, E. (2008). Costa Rica: sensibilidad del capital de cartera al premio e implicaciones para la política económica (1991-2007). San José, Costa Rica: BCCR.

16 Rojas, Á. (1997). Descomposición del Diferencial de Tasas de Interés entre Chile y el Extranjero: 1992-1996. Santiago, Chile: Documento de Trabajo N° 22: Banco Central de Chile.

"La paridad cubierta de tasas de interés establece que, dado que existen flujos de capital a nivel internacional libres de todo tipo de restricciones, entonces, se tenderán a igualar los retornos de una inversión a nivel doméstico o en el extranjero, al ser medidos en una moneda común. Otra manera de especificar la paridad cubierta es señalar que el diferencial de tasas de interés entre dos activos idénticos en todo respecto, excepto la moneda de denominación, debería ser cero, una vez que se haya hecho la cobertura del riesgo cambiario en el mercado forward correspondiente". (Rojas, 1997, pág. 7) .

Por lo que esta equivalencia se expresa de la siguiente forma:

Ecuación 11 Donde:

kpiet = Tasa del capital propio del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t".

𝐤𝐩𝐢𝐞𝐭$ = Tasa del capital propio del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t", en dólares de los Estados Unidos de América (USD)".

VTC¢$ = Tasa de la variación esperada (expectativa de mercado) del colón respecto al dólar para el ajuste tarifario. La variación se estima utilizando el dato de las "expectativas de variación cambiaria de mercado a 12 meses" del colón respecto al dólar, correspondiente al último dato disponible al momento de realizar la estimación o el cálculo tarifario, según corresponda, publicado por el BCCR. El resultado de este valor se toma para t=0 y este valor se mantiene para t=1, t=2 y t=3.

¢ = Colones de Costa Rica.

$ = Dólares de los Estados Unidos de América (USD).

i = Servicio regulado (acueducto, alcantarillado, hidrantes).

e = Prestador de servicios regulados por Aresep.

t = Periodos anuales del cálculo tarifario, "t=0" es el periodo base.

Para este caso, en el t=1, t=2 y t=3 se va a mantener constante el valor de t=0.

Para la estimación del "kpiet$" se empleará la información publicada por el Dr. Aswath Damodaran de la Universidad de New York, en la dirección de Internet http://www.stern.nyu.edu/~adamodar. El CAPM se calcula mediante el siguiente procedimiento:

Ecuación 12 Donde:

𝐤𝐩𝐢𝐞𝐭$ = Tasa de capital propio del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t" en dólares de los Estados Unidos de América (USD).

Es el costo de los aportes de capital propio.

𝐑𝐟 = Tasa libre de riesgo para el ajuste tarifario. La cual corresponde a una alternativa de inversión que no tiene riesgo para el inversionista. Se calcula como un promedio simple de los rendimientos denominados "promedio aritmético" y "promedio geométrico" de los bonos del Tesoro (a 10 años) de los Estados Unidos de América para los últimos 10 años. Se debe tomar los datos más recientes del sitio web de Damodaran, disponible en la dirección de Internet http://www.stern.nyu.edu/~adamodar.

𝛃𝐚𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Beta apalancada de la inversión del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t". Es la covarianza de la rentabilidad de un activo determinado y la rentabilidad del mercado. Se denomina "apalancada" ya que se ha ajustado para considerar que parte de la inversión se financia con deuda. Su cálculo se realiza según se PR = Prima por riesgo para el ajuste tarifario. Se define como la diferencia entre la tasa libre de riesgo y la tasa de rendimiento del mercado. Se utiliza el dato más reciente correspondiente a la variable denominada "Implied Premium (FCFE)" o la variable que la sustituya y se obtendrá de la información publicada por el Dr.

Aswath Damodaran, en la dirección de Internet http://www.stern.nyu.edu/~adamodar.

i = Servicio regulado (acueducto, alcantarillado, hidrantes).

e = Prestador de servicios regulados por Aresep.

t = Periodos anuales del cálculo tarifario, "t=0" es el periodo base.

Para este caso, en el t=1, t=2 y t=3 se va a mantener constante el valor de t=0.

La beta apalancada se refiere a la parte de la inversión que se financia con deuda y se obtiene de la siguiente ecuación:

Ecuación 13 Donde:

𝛃𝐚𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Beta apalancada de la inversión del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t".

𝛃𝐝 = Beta desapalancada para el ajuste tarifario. Se utiliza el dato más reciente correspondiente a la beta desapalancada del sector denominado "Utility (Water)", disponible en el sitio web: http://pages.stern.nyu.edu/~adamodar/New_Home_Page/datafile/Betas.html Diet/Kiet = Relación entre deuda y capital propio. Se calcula al dividir el valor de la deuda entre el valor del capital propio.

miet = Tasa impositiva del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t". Se supone igual a cero (0), según acuerdo 15-149-99 de la Junta Directiva de la Autoridad Reguladora (acta de la Sesión 149-99 del 19 de agosto de 1999) o lo que en su momento disponga la Junta Directiva.

i = Servicio regulado (acueducto, alcantarillado, hidrantes).

e = Prestador de servicios regulados por Aresep.

t = Periodos anuales del cálculo tarifario, "t=0" es el periodo base.

Para este caso, en el t=1, t=2 y t=3 se va a mantener constante el valor de t=0.

En caso de que no se disponga la información referenciada anteriormente, se podrán utilizar otras fuentes de información similar, siempre y cuando, se califique y valore su confiabilidad y se justifique técnicamente su utilización.

7.2.2. Base Tarifaria La base tarifaria se compone del activo fijo neto en operación revaluado promedio destinado a la prestación del servicio más el capital de trabajo, según se expresa en la siguiente expresión algebraica:

Ecuación 14 Donde:

BTiet = Base tarifaria del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t".

AFNORPiet = Activo fijo neto en operación revaluado promedio del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t". Para cada año del cálculo tarifario, se obtiene una media aritmética simple de los siguientes componentes a) activo fijo neto en operación revaluado al mes de diciembre del periodo inmediatamente anterior y b) el activo fijo neto en operación revaluado al mes de diciembre del periodo "t". Se detalla en la ecuación 15. En el caso de que los datos utilizados sean históricos se deben obtener de los Estados Financieros Auditados y homologados mediante lo establecido en la Contabilidad Regulatoria. Y para aquellos casos en que sean estimados o proyectados, serán los establecidos por la I.A.

Ver apartado "Consideraciones para inversiones" CTiet = Capital de trabajo del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t". (Ver sección 7.2.3. "Capital de Trabajo").

i = Servicio regulado (acueducto, alcantarillado e hidrantes).

e = Prestador de servicios regulados por Aresep.

t = Periodos anuales del cálculo tarifario, "t=0" es el periodo base.

La variable "t" toma valores de 0, 1, 2 y 3.

7.2.2.1 Activo fijo neto en operación revaluado promedio Es la media aritmética simple de los siguientes componentes a) activo fijo neto en operación revaluado al mes de diciembre del periodo inmediatamente anterior y b) el activo fijo neto en operación revaluado al mes de diciembre del periodo "t", según se detalla en la siguiente expresión algebraica:

Ecuación 15 Donde:

𝐀𝐅𝐍𝐎𝐑𝐏𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Activo fijo neto en operación revaluado promedio del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t".

𝐀𝐅𝐍𝐎𝐑𝐢𝐞𝐭 𝐚 = Activo fijo neto en operación revaluado del servicio "i", del prestador "e", al inicio del mes de enero "t". Se detalla en la ecuación 16.

𝐀𝐅𝐍𝐎𝐑𝐢𝐞𝐭 𝐛 = Activo fijo neto en operación revaluado del servicio "i", del prestador "e", al final del periodo "t". Se detalla en la ecuación 17.

𝐚 = Valor de la variable al inicio del mes de enero del periodo "t".

b = Valor de la variable al final del mes de diciembre del periodo "t".

i = Servicio regulado (acueducto, alcantarillado e hidrantes).

e = Prestador de servicios regulados por Aresep.

t = Periodos anuales del cálculo tarifario, "t=0" es el periodo base.

La variable "t" toma valores de 0, 1, 2 y 3.

Los prestadores tienen la obligación de valorar sus activos tal como lo establece las Normas Internacionales de Información Financiera (NIIF) sobre esta materia o en su efecto la norma internacional que se llegue a acoger a nivel nacional, considerando el modelo del costo o el modelo de revaluación17, en este último caso se estimaría el valor razonable de estos (según la norma NIIF), técnicamente sustentado y justificado, además deberá mantener sus registros contables de conformidad con esa normativa, separando los saldos al costo de las revaluaciones para su debida trazabilidad y seguimiento.

Los prestadores deben justificar la política contable que han establecido de conformidad con dichas normas, y la misma debe estar revisada y avalada por los Auditores Externos en las auditorías a los Estados Financieros.

En caso de que la opinión de los Estados Financieros Auditados contengan salvedades, sea adversa (negativa) o presente abstención de opinión, y que los hallazgos de los auditores contemplen que la valoración de activos no se apega a las normas indicadas o el prestador no cuenta con políticas contables de valoración de activos apegadas a las Normas Internacionales de Información Financiera (NIIF) sobre esta materia o en su efecto la norma internacional que se llegue a acoger a nivel nacional, considerando el modelo del costo o el modelo de revaluación, en el cálculo tarifario se considerará como AFNOR para todos los periodos de cálculo únicamente el total de activos fijos al costo.

7.2.2.1.A. Activo fijo neto en operación revaluado a inicio de enero del periodo "t" El activo fijo neto en operación revaluado a inicio de enero del periodo "t". Se calcula de la siguiente forma:

Ecuación 16 Donde:

𝐀𝐅𝐍𝐎𝐑𝐢𝐞𝐭 𝐚 = Activo fijo neto en operación revaluado del servicio "i", del prestador "e", al inicio del periodo "t".

𝐀𝐅𝐂𝐢𝐞𝐭 𝐚 = Total de activos fijos al costo del servicio "i", del prestador "e", al inicio del periodo "t". Este dato se obtiene a partir de los datos de los Estados Financieros Auditados e informes homologados 17 En todos los casos el prestador del servicio deberá presentar el costo original de sus activos y su respectiva depreciación.

mediante lo establecido en la Contabilidad Regulatoria. Y para aquellos casos en que sean estimados o proyectados, serán los establecidos por la IA.

𝐀𝐅𝐑𝐢𝐞𝐭 𝐚 = Total de activos fijos revaluados del servicio "i", del prestador "e", al inicio del periodo "t". Este dato se obtiene de los Estados Financieros Auditados e informes homologados mediante lo establecido en la Contabilidad Regulatoria. Y para aquellos casos en que sean estimados o proyectados, serán los establecidos por la IA.

𝐃𝐀𝐂𝐢𝐞𝐭 𝐚 = Depreciación acumulada de activos fijos al costo del servicio "i", del prestador "e", al inicio del periodo "t". Este dato se obtiene de los Estados Financieros Auditados e informes homologados mediante lo establecido en la Contabilidad Regulatoria. Y para aquellos casos en que sean estimados o proyectados, serán los establecidos por la IA 𝐃𝐀𝐅𝐑𝐢𝐞𝐭 𝐚 = Depreciación acumulada de los activos revaluados del servicio "i", del prestador "e", al inicio del periodo "t". Este dato se obtiene de los Estados Financieros Auditados y homologados mediante lo establecido en la Contabilidad Regulatoria. Y para aquellos casos en que sean estimados o proyectados, serán los establecidos por la IA.

𝐚 = Valor de la variable al inicio del mes de enero del periodo "t".

i = Servicio regulado (acueducto, alcantarillado e hidrantes).

e = Prestador de servicios regulados por Aresep.

t = Periodos anuales del cálculo tarifario, "t=0" es el periodo base.

La variable "t" toma valores de 0, 1, 2 y 3.

7.2.2.1.B. Activo fijo neto en operación revaluado al mes de diciembre del periodo "t" Para el cálculo del activo fijo neto en operación revaluado al mes de diciembre del periodo "t", se procede de la siguiente manera:

Ecuación 17 Donde:

𝐀𝐅𝐍𝐎𝐑𝐢𝐞𝐭 𝐛 = Activo fijo neto en operación revaluado del servicio "i", del prestador "e", al final del periodo "t".

𝐀𝐅𝐂𝐢𝐞𝐭 𝐛 = Total de activos fijos al costo del servicio "i", del prestador "e", al final del periodo "t". Se detalla en la ecuación 18.

𝐀𝐅𝐑𝐢𝐞𝐭 𝐛 = Total de activos fijos revaluados del servicio "i", del prestador "e", al final del periodo "t". Se detalla en la ecuación 21.

𝐃𝐀𝐂𝐢𝐞𝐭 𝐛 = Depreciación acumulada de activos fijos al costo del servicio "i", del prestador "e", al final del periodo "t". Se detalla en la ecuación 22.

𝐃𝐀𝐅𝐑𝐢𝐞𝐭 𝐛 = Depreciación acumulada de los activos fijos revaluados del servicio "i", del prestador "e", al final del periodo "t". Se detalla en la ecuación 25.

b = Valor de la variable al final del mes de diciembre del periodo "t".

i = Servicio regulado (acueducto, alcantarillado e hidrantes).

e = Prestador de servicios regulados por Aresep.

t = Periodos anuales del cálculo tarifario, "t=0" es el periodo base.

La variable "t" toma valores de 0, 1, 2 y 3.

B.1. El activo fijo al costo al final del periodo "t" El activo fijo al costo se calcula de la siguiente manera:

Ecuación 18 Donde:

𝐀𝐅𝐂𝐛 𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Total de activos fijos al costo del servicio "i", del prestador "e", al final del periodo "t". Corresponde a los activos fijos al costo al periodo "t", más las adiciones de activos fijos al costo, menos los retiros de activos al costo durante el periodo "t", más el total neto de traslado de activos al costo del periodo "t".

𝐀𝐅𝐂𝐢𝐞𝐭 𝐚 = Total de activos fijos al costo del servicio "i", del prestador "e", al inicio del periodo "t". Este dato se obtiene de los Estados Financieros Auditados y homologados mediante lo establecido en la Contabilidad Regulatoria. Y para aquellos casos en que sean estimados o proyectados, serán los establecidos por la IA.

𝐓𝐀𝐃𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Total de adiciones a reconocer del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t". Se detalla en la sección B.1.1. denominada "Determinación de las adiciones".

𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Retiros del activo fijo al costo del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t". Corresponde el valor del listado de activos que se estimen retirar para el periodo "t".

𝐓𝐀𝐂𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Traslados de activos fijos al costo del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t".

𝐚 = Valor de la variable al inicio del mes de enero del periodo "t".

b = Valor de la variable al final del mes de diciembre del periodo "t".

i = Servicio regulado (acueducto, alcantarillado e hidrantes).

e = Prestador de servicios regulados por Aresep.

t = Periodos anuales del cálculo tarifario, "t=0" es el periodo base.

La variable "t" toma valores de 0, 1, 2 y 3.

B.1.1. Determinación de las adiciones Para el análisis de adiciones, Aresep deberá, en primera instancia, realizar el análisis de información bajo los distintos requerimientos establecidos en la o las resoluciones y criterios vigentes asociados con el tema de las inversiones; análisis que eventualmente, podrán ser complementados con visitas de campo en los diferentes proyectos u obras de conformidad con los reportes, que para ese objetivo remita el prestador regulado, en la forma y fecha que se llegue a establecer por IA.

La selección de los proyectos por inspeccionar tomará en cuenta algunos aspectos como la dimensión, el monto de la inversión según lo planificado, la razonabilidad de los valores de cada una de las obras e impacto en la calidad, cantidad, oportunidad, continuidad y confiabilidad necesarios para prestar, en forma óptima, eficiente y eficaz el servicio público regulado. Estas visitas de campo tienen el fin de verificar los montos, los porcentajes de avance de ejecución, las fechas de capitalización y la entrada en operación total o parcial de las obras, y constatar la información que remitió la empresa versus el avance real de las obras, según corresponda.

A partir de la información contenida en los reportes y lo constatado en las visitas realizadas, se desarrollará un informe en el que se determine el monto y la fecha de capitalización estimados de las adiciones que serán reconocidas tarifariamente.

Para aquellos proyectos para los cuales los resultados de las eventuales visitas de campo evidencien diferencias con la información presentada por el prestador, se hará un ajuste sobre el monto a capitalizar y la fecha de capitalización a criterio de la IA, respecto a las etapas preestablecidas desde su inicio.

B.1.1.1. Ajuste por porcentaje de ejecución En aquellos proyectos que se presentan como adiciones por reconocer a nivel tarifario, establecidas en el punto anterior, las adiciones se reconocerán de la siguiente manera:

Ecuación 19 Donde:

𝐓𝐀𝐃𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Total de adiciones a reconocer del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t".

𝐀𝐃𝐈𝐀𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Adiciones inspeccionadas por Aresep del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el ajuste tarifario "t".

𝐀𝐃𝐃𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Adiciones valoradas por Aresep, una vez realizada la deducción de los montos sin justificación técnica razonable para el servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t".

𝐄𝐉𝐄𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Porcentaje total de ejecución por reconocer para el servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t", calculado con base en las últimas 5 estimaciones anuales reconocidas en estudio tarifario ordinario. Se detalla en la ecuación 20.

i = Servicio regulado (acueducto, alcantarillado e hidrantes).

e = Prestador de servicios regulados por Aresep.

t = Periodos anuales del cálculo tarifario, "t=0" es el periodo base.

La variable "t" toma valores de 0, 1, 2 y 3.

Para la determinación del porcentaje total de ejecución por reconocer del plan de inversiones no inspeccionado por Aresep se debe de considerar lo siguiente:

a. El porcentaje de ejecución anual del total de inversiones, el cual se determina como el cociente entre las adiciones históricas o activos capitalizados por el prestador y las adiciones reconocidas a nivel tarifario por la Aresep para ese año. Este porcentaje se debe calcular para cada uno de los últimos cinco años anteriores a la fecha de presentación de la nueva solicitud tarifaria.

b. En cada estudio tarifario, los prestadores deben reportar la cantidad de obras que construyó, o bien la cantidad de equipos que instaló durante el año.

c. El promedio simple de los porcentajes de ejecución anual de esos últimos cinco años calculados en el punto "a".

d. El porcentaje de ejecución total de cada año considerado tiene un tope de un 100%, ya que no se considerarán obras o equipos instalados que no hayan sido previamente valorados por la IA.

e. El valor del porcentaje promedio de los cinco años anteriores calculado en el punto "b" es el porcentaje de ejecución a utilizar. Éste se aplica a los montos asociados a la cantidad de obras o de equipos que no se inspeccionaron, previa deducción de los montos de adiciones que no contemplen con una justificación técnica razonable.

f. La información de los porcentajes de ejecución para los cinco años indicados en el punto "a" se tomará del histórico de las fijaciones tarifarias ordinarias anteriores y los registros históricos de capitalización de activos que tiene el prestador.

g. En caso de que un prestador no tenga actualizadas las tarifas durante varios años anteriores a la solicitud tarifaria ordinaria, el monto de adiciones reconocidas a considerar en el cálculo del porcentaje de ejecución de cada año será el del último periodo otorgado en la última fijación tarifaria aprobada.

La ecuación de cálculo en cuestión es la siguiente:

Ecuación 20 Donde:

𝐄𝐉𝐄𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Porcentaje total de ejecución por reconocer para el servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t", calculado con base en las últimas 5 estimaciones anuales reconocidas en estudio tarifario ordinario.

𝐀𝐃𝐑𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Adiciones históricas totales desarrolladas por el prestador regulado en la fijación tarifaria para el servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t", comprende desde el periodo "t=-4" hasta el periodo base "t=0". Se contempla únicamente los datos reconocidos en fijaciones de carácter ordinario.

𝐀𝐃𝐄𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Adiciones estimadas totales calculadas con base en las últimas 5 estimaciones anuales reconocidas en estudio tarifario ordinario para el prestador regulado para el servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t", comprende desde el periodo "t=-4" hasta el periodo base "t=0". Se contempla únicamente los datos reconocidos en fijaciones de carácter ordinario. i = Servicio regulado (acueducto, alcantarillado e hidrantes).

e = Prestador de servicios regulados por Aresep.

t = Periodos anuales del cálculo tarifario, "t=0" es el periodo base.

La variable "t", en este caso puede tomar valores de -4, -3, -2, -1y 0.

Aplica por operador y por cada servicio que se brinde.

El prestador deberá justificar y separar en los registros técnicos y contables, la proporción de las adiciones que corresponden a reposición de activos que se retiran por remplazo, daños, traslado u obsolescencia y la proporción que corresponde a expansión del servicio. Únicamente se capitalizará la mano de obra directa asociada al proyecto u obra, la mano de obra indirecta (los costos de salarios que no se pueden asignar a una actividad específica, y que comparten varias actividades, por ejemplo: proveeduría, contabilidad, gerencia, etc., relacionados con el manejo administrativo de los proyectos) se debe trasladar al gasto para su análisis y tratamiento correspondiente.

La información solicitada para estos efectos deberá ser presentada según los formatos que establezca la Aresep.

B.2. El activo fijo revaluado para el final del periodo "t" El activo fijo revaluado se calcula de la siguiente manera:

Ecuación 21 Donde:

𝐀𝐅𝐑𝐢𝐞𝐭 𝐛 = Total de activos fijos revaluados del servicio "i", del prestador "e", al final del periodo "t". Corresponde a los activos fijos revaluados del periodo "t" (saldo inicial del año siguiente), menos los retiros de activos revaluados durante el periodo "t", más el total neto de traslado de activos revaluados, más la revaluación de activos correspondiente al periodo "t".

𝐀𝐅𝐑𝐢𝐞𝐭 𝐚 = Total de activos fijos revaluados del servicio "i", del prestador "e", al inicio del periodo "t". Este dato se obtiene de los Estados Financieros Auditados y homologados mediante lo establecido en la Contabilidad Regulatoria. Y para aquellos casos en que sean estimados o proyectados, serán los establecidos por la IA 𝐑𝐀𝐑𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Retiros del activo fijo revaluado del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t". Corresponde el valor del listado de activos que se estimen retirar para el periodo "t". Se detalla en la sección B.2.1 denominada "Determinación de retiros".

𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Traslados de activos revaluados del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t".

𝐑𝐀𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Revaluación correspondiente al periodo "t", de los activos del servicio "i", del prestador "e". Corresponde a la revaluación estimada para el periodo "t", y en caso de estar disponible, se utilizará un peritaje autorizado por la Aresep, siguiendo las normas NIIF. Se detalla en la sección B.2.2. denominada "Revaluación de activos" 𝐚 = Valor de la variable al inicio del mes de enero del periodo "t".

b = Valor de la variable al final del mes de diciembre del periodo "t".

i = Servicio regulado (acueducto, alcantarillado e hidrantes).

e = Prestador de servicios regulados por Aresep.

t = Periodos anuales del cálculo tarifario, "t=0" es el periodo base.

La variable "t" toma valores de 0, 1, 2 y 3.

B.2.1. Determinación de retiros En el caso particular de retiro de activos se consideran los siguientes criterios:

a. Los prestadores están en la obligación de depurar la base tarifaria, para ello deben presentar en cada estudio tarifario el detalle de activos retirados (plan de retiros de activos debidamente justificado), clasificados por estar totalmente depreciados, remplazo, deterioro, obsolescencia, traslados, cuyos indicadores de calidad asociados no cumplan con la normativa vigente u otros.

b. En el caso que exista una prevención o disposición que instruya la presentación de los retiros de activos e información relacionada a esta y el prestador no cumple las mismas, la IA tiene la potestad de no aceptar los saldos de los activos, dado que el regulado omite este dato considerado relevante en el cálculo de la base tarifaria.

c. En caso de que no se cumpla lo establecido en el punto "a" y no media prevención o disposición en relación con el tema, existe el criterio de aplicar un porcentaje similar a la depreciación para cada grupo de activos, por concepto de retiro de activos, tanto en los valores al costo como revaluado.

d. Se requiere información y justificación sobre la pérdida o ganancia contable que estos retiros originan a el prestador, para ser compensados en las tarifas en la partida de gasto por concepto de "perdida por retiro de activos". Este gasto debe ser congruente con los saldos que reflejan los activos retirados y la transacción que dio origen a su retiro.

Los retiros se deben presentar para cada grupo de activos, en el periodo que se retiró o se prevé retirar, indicando los valores del activo al costo, revaluado y sus respectivas depreciaciones (al costo y revaluado). Asimismo, indicar si el retiro originó una pérdida o ganancia contable en el retiro de este y su ubicación física (identificación del activo anterior al retiro y sus justificaciones, y los comprobantes del retiro o desecho correspondiente, para dar trazabilidad de los activos).

B.2.2. Revaluación de activos El prestador tiene la obligación de valorar sus activos tal como lo establecen las Normas Internacionales de Información Financiera (NIIF) sobre esta materia o en su efecto la norma internacional que se llegue a acoger a nivel nacional.

Independiente del modelo que se utilice para realizar la revaluación, los resultados proporcionarán cifras que deben ser razonables (según la norma NIIF) y técnicamente sustentadas.

En todos los casos los prestadores deben revelar el costo original de sus activos y su respectiva depreciación.

A partir del momento en que inicia la vigencia de esta resolución, la variable Activo Fijo Revaluado (AFR) se mantendrá constante en los periodos en los cuales no se realicen revaluaciones de estos de conformidad con la normativa vigente aplicable, el cálculo solo se afectará por los retiros y traslados de activos en caso de presentarse, pero no dará lugar a una pérdida por su retiro.

Así las cosas, esta variable (AFR) se actualizará únicamente cuando se valoren los activos del prestador de conformidad con la normativa aplicable. Se debe justificar técnicamente los datos de entrada y las técnicas de valoración utilizadas, minimizando el impacto tarifario como resultado de dicha valoración. Cuando existan distintas alternativas de valoración, se considerará aquella que represente un menor impacto en las tarifas.

Aresep debe vigilar que no haya diferencia significativa entre los registros contables y el valor razonable, y podrá en caso de ser necesario, solicitar la realización de los estudios para sustentar una revaluación y para verificar que sea razonada y justificada.

B.3. Estimación de depreciación acumulada de activos al costo para el final del periodo "t" Ecuación 22 Donde:

𝐃𝐀𝐂𝐢𝐞𝐭 𝐛 = Depreciación acumulada de activos fijos al costo del servicio "i", del prestador "e", al final del periodo "t".

𝐃𝐀𝐂𝐢𝐞𝐭 𝐚 = Depreciación acumulada de activos fijos al costo del servicio "i", del prestador "e", al inicio del periodo "t". Este dato se obtiene de los Estados Financieros Auditados y homologados mediante lo establecido en la Contabilidad Regulatoria.

𝐑𝐃𝐂𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Retiros de activos depreciados al costo del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t". Se utiliza el valor del retiro de activos estimado por el prestador y aprobado por la Aresep, siguiendo los formatos de la Contabilidad Regulatoria.

𝐓𝐃𝐂𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Traslado de activos al costo, del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t". Se utiliza el valor del traslado de activos estimado por el prestador y aprobado por la Aresep, siguiendo los formatos de la Contabilidad Regulatoria.

𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Depreciación de los activos al costo del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t". Se detalla en la ecuación 23.

𝐚 = Valor de la variable al inicio del mes de enero del periodo "t".

b = Valor de la variable al final de mes de diciembre del periodo "t".

i = Servicio regulado (acueducto, alcantarillado e hidrantes).

e = Prestador de servicios regulados por Aresep.

t = Periodos anuales del cálculo tarifario, "t=0" es el periodo base.

La variable "t" toma valores de 0, 1, 2 y 3.

B.3.1. Depreciación de activos al costo para el periodo "t" Ecuación 23 Donde:

𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Depreciación de activos al costo del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t".

𝐓𝐃𝐀𝐂𝐣𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Tasa de depreciación del activo "j" al costo del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t". Se utiliza las tablas de depreciación previamente aprobadas por la Aresep. En estas tablas se debe mostrar claramente, para cada activo, la tasa de depreciación, el valor al costo y la vida útil. Se detalla en la ecuación 24.

𝐀𝐅𝐂𝐣𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Valor del activo fijo "j" al costo del servicio "i", del prestador "e" para el periodo "t". Este dato se obtiene del reporte que deben remitir los prestadores a la Aresep detallando la lista de activos fijos en operación necesarios para brindar el servicio, con su respectivo valor, vida útil, tasa de depreciación y valor de rescate. j = Cada activo.

i = Servicio regulado (acueducto, alcantarillado e hidrantes).

e = Prestador de servicios regulados por Aresep.

t = Periodos anuales del cálculo tarifario, "t=0" es el periodo base.

La variable "t" toma valores de 0, 1, 2 y 3.

n = Total de activos La tasa de depreciación de cada activo "j" al costo se obtiene en la siguiente formula.

Ecuación 24 Donde:

𝐓𝐃𝐀𝐂𝐣𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Tasa de depreciación del activo "j" al costo del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t".

𝐕𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐣𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Valor de rescate del activo j" al costo del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t".

𝐕𝐔𝐣𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Vida útil del activo "j" del servicio "i", del prestador "e". Expresado en años.

j = Cada activo.

i = Servicio regulado (acueducto, alcantarillado e hidrantes).

e = Prestador de servicios regulados por Aresep.

t = Periodos anuales del cálculo tarifario, "t=0" es el periodo base.

La variable "t" toma valores de 0, 1, 2 y 3.

B.4. Depreciación acumulada de los activos fijos revaluados para el final del periodo "t" Ecuación 25 Donde:

𝐃𝐀𝐅𝐑𝐢𝐞𝐭 𝐛 = Depreciación acumulada de los activos fijos revaluados del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el final del periodo "t".

𝐃𝐀𝐅𝐑𝐢𝐞𝐭 𝐚 = Depreciación acumulada de los activos fijos revaluados del servicio "i", del prestador "e", al inicio del periodo "t". Este dato se obtiene de los Estados Financieros Auditados y homologados mediante lo establecido en la Contabilidad Regulatoria.

𝐑𝐃𝐑𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Retiro de activos depreciados revaluados del servicio "i", del prestador "e, para el periodo "t".

𝐓𝐃𝐑𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Traslado de activos depreciados revaluados del servicio "i", del prestador "e, para el periodo "t".

𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐑𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Depreciación de los activos fijos revaluados del servicio "i", del prestador "e" durante el periodo "t". Se detalla en la ecuación 26.

t = Periodos anuales del cálculo tarifario, "t=0" es el periodo base.

La variable "t" toma valores de 0, 1, 2 y 3.

B.4.1. Depreciación de activos revaluados para el periodo "t" Ecuación 26 Donde:

𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐑𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Depreciación de activos fijos revaluados del servicio "i", del prestador "e" durante el periodo "t".

𝐓𝐃𝐀𝐑𝐣𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Tasa de depreciación del activo fijo revaluado "j", del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t". Se utiliza las tablas de depreciación previamente aprobadas por la Aresep. En estas tablas se debe mostrar claramente, para cada activo, la tasa de depreciación, el valor al costo y la vida útil. Se detalla en la ecuación 27.

𝐀𝐅𝐑𝐣𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Valor del activo fijo "j" revaluado, del servicio "i", del prestador "e" para el periodo "t". Este dato se obtiene del reporte que deben remitir de los prestadores a la Aresep detallando la lista de activos fijos en operación necesarios para brindar el servicio, con su respectivo valor, vida útil, tasa de depreciación y valor de rescate.

j = Cada activo.

i = Servicio regulado (acueducto, alcantarillado e hidrantes).

e = Prestador de servicios regulados por Aresep.

t = Periodos anuales del cálculo tarifario, "t=0" es el periodo base.

La variable "t" toma valores de 0, 1, 2 y 3.

n = Total de activos La tasa de depreciación de cada activo "j" revaluado Ecuación 27 Donde:

𝐓𝐃𝐀𝐑𝐣𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Tasa de depreciación del activo fijo revaluado "j" del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t".

𝐕𝐑𝐀𝐑𝐣𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Valor de rescate del activo fijo revaluado "j" del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t". Expresado en porcentaje.

𝐕𝐔𝐑𝐣𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Vida útil del activo fijo revaluado "j" del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t".

j = Cada activo.

i = Servicio regulado (acueducto, alcantarillado e hidrantes).

e = Prestador de servicios regulados por Aresep.

t = Periodos anuales del cálculo tarifario, "t=0" es el periodo base.

La variable "t" toma valores de 0, 1, 2 y 3.

7.2.2.2. Consideraciones para Inversiones El Plan de Inversiones debe ser presentado según el formato de clasificación de activos establecido por la Intendencia de Agua y clasificadas en micro y macro inversiones, así como inversiones asociadas a la calidad del servicio con sus subclasificaciones correspondientes.

Adicionalmente, se debe indicar el monto específico anual para cada una de las inversiones propuestas y justificar la concordancia del Plan de Inversiones propuesto con el Plan Nacional de Desarrollo (PND), con el Programa de Mejora y Expansión Continua del Servicio (PMES), con las necesidades de los usuarios presentadas por la Dirección General de Atención al Usuarios (DGAU) según su Informe de quejas y con los planes sectoriales existentes.

Se deben justificar las inversiones solicitadas por el prestador del servicio en términos de criterios técnicos y financieros razonables; además, demostrar que tienen un impacto positivo en la eficiencia, eficacia, calidad y continuidad de la prestación del servicio, a saber:

• a)Los prestadores de los servicios deberán elaborar y presentar ante la Autoridad Reguladora un Programa de Mejora y Expansión Continua del Servicio (PMES) para los servicios que prestan, conteniendo en detalle las metas u objetivos concretos para los próximos 5 años y en forma global para los siguientes dos quinquenios. Su objetivo general será el de alcanzar y mantener las metas de expansión (desempeño) y los niveles de servicio establecidos por la Autoridad Reguladora.
• b)Las obras de resultado de evaluaciones de causas de deficiencias de calidad y/o los incrementos en las necesidades de recursos para la mejora del grado de cobertura.

Las metas en expansión y mejoras, como mínimo se referirán a lo siguiente: Estudios y Proyectos Acueductos y Alcantarillados.

• a)Plan Maestro de Desarrollo.
• b)Modelización matemática de la red.
• c)Estudio de fuentes y fuentes alternativas de agua.
• d)Riesgo de contaminación de las tomas de agua, almacenamiento y disposición final.
• e)Mejoramiento de las plantas potabilizadoras y de tratamiento de aguas residuales.
• f)Participación en la protección y conservación de cuencas hidrográficas.
• g)Instalación de micro y macro medidores.
• h)Expansión de redes de agua y alcantarillado.
• i)Renovación de redes de agua y alcantarillado.
• j)Rehabilitación de redes de agua.
• k)Obras particulares.
• l)Incorporación de tecnología en la prestación del servicio.

Los montos de inversión avalados por Aresep serán la base para calcular los montos de adición de activos utilizados para calcular el activo fijo neto. Se podrán adicionar la totalidad del valor de los activos reconocidos en las inversiones en cada año, si el promedio del porcentaje de ejecución es un 100% y si los activos son calificados como útiles, utilizables y efectivamente están en uso para la presentación eficiente y eficaz del servicio.

7.2.3. Capital de trabajo El capital de trabajo se estima como el periodo medio de cobro multiplicado por el efectivo requerido para la operación (gastos de operación, mantenimiento y administración menos las depreciaciones, las partidas amortizables, los gastos por pérdidas de retiros de activos), de la siguiente manera:

Ecuación 28 Donde:

𝐂𝐓𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Capital de trabajo del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t".

𝐂𝐗𝐂𝐢𝐞 = Promedio de las cuentas por cobrar de los últimos tres periodos anuales. Este dato se obtiene de los Estados Financieros Auditados y homologados mediante lo establecido en la Contabilidad Regulatoria.

𝐈𝐕𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Ingresos totales por ventas anuales proyectados basándose en la estructura tarifaria, la estimación de demanda y considerando las tarifas del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t".

𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐀𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Costos y gastos totales de operación, mantenimiento, administración y otros costos y gastos indispensables en que incurran los prestadores para brindar el servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t".

𝐃𝐄𝐏𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Gasto por depreciación de activos del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t". Se obtiene de la suma de la depreciación al costo (Se detalla en la ecuación 23) y la depreciación revaluada del periodo (Se detalla en la ecuación 26).

𝐏𝐀𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Gasto por partidas amortizables para brindar el servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t".

𝐆𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Gasto por pérdida de retiro de activos para brindar el servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t".

i = Servicio regulado (acueducto, alcantarillado e hidrantes).

e = Prestador de servicios regulados por Aresep.

t = Periodos anuales del cálculo tarifario, "t=0" es el periodo base.

La variable "t" toma valores de 0, 1, 2 y 3.

7.3. Volumen total de agua a facturar El volumen total de agua a facturar a los abonados se obtiene a partir del análisis de demanda que considere la estimación, para el periodo en que regirá la tarifa, del número de abonados por tipo de tarifa en cada una de sus bloques y su consumo asociado. El artículo 41 del reglamento a la Ley N° 7593 establece que toda solicitud de fijación de tarifas debe contener, entre otros requerimientos, un estudio de mercado, el cual es fundamental para realizar las estimaciones de demanda de cada servicio regulado.

Desde el punto de vista del análisis de las series de tiempo, existe una variedad de métodos y técnicas para realizar inferencias o pronósticos de las variables con una determinada frecuencia futura, a partir de la identificación, especificación y estimación de un determinado modelo estadístico. Por lo que el método o técnica que se utilice en las proyecciones deben justificarse y, cumplir con los criterios estadísticos y econométricos que se establecen con base en la ciencia, técnica, y lógica; tal y como lo establece la Ley General de la Administración Pública. El estudio de mercado que el prestador presente a la Aresep deberá estar técnica y legalmente justificado e indicar el software utilizado, la identificación del modelo de predicción empleado y los resultados obtenidos. Todos los resultados de las variables proyectadas, independientemente del software, algoritmo y modelo utilizado, deberá presentarse en formato de hoja electrónica de uso común.

Aresep revisará las estimaciones de demanda aportadas por el prestador, mediante el uso de las técnicas que considere apropiadas en las circunstancias. Como parte del proceso de análisis de las estimaciones de demanda, y de la información complementaria entregada por el prestador, Aresep podrá realizar los ajustes necesarios en los pronósticos recibidos, con base en los criterios técnicos aplicables.

7.4. Ingresos totales esperados (ITEiet) Corresponden a los ingresos totales esperados necesarios para atender la suma de: los costos totales de operación, mantenimiento, administración y otros costos y gastos indispensables (COMAiet), el rédito para el desarrollo (RDiet), costos y gastos asociados a la operación y mantenimiento de las ASADAS (CGASADAiet), costos y gastos asociados a la operación y mantenimiento de los acueductos municipales (CGMUNiet), y costos y gastos asociados a los proyectos de carácter social (CGPCSiet) más el monto resultante del proceso de liquidación (LIiet=0).

Estos costos se califican como los necesarios para brindar el servicio.

Ecuación 29 Donde:

𝐈𝐓𝐄𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Ingresos totales esperados para el servicio "i", del prestador "e" y para el periodo "t". Se obtiene de la suma de los costos y gastos totales (COMAiet), el Rédito para el desarrollo (RDiet), costos y gastos asociados a la operación y mantenimiento de las ASADAS (CGASADAiet), costos y gastos asociados a la operación y mantenimiento de los acueductos municipales (CGMUNiet) y costos y gastos asociados a los proyectos de carácter social (CGPCSiet) más el monto resultante del proceso de liquidación (LIiet=0).

𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐀𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Costos y gastos totales de operación, mantenimiento, administración y otros costos y gastos indispensables en que incurran los prestadores para brindar el servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t".

𝐑𝐃𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Rédito para el desarrollo del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t".

𝐂𝐆𝐀𝐒𝐀𝐃𝐀𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Costos y gastos asociados a la operación y mantenimiento de las ASADAS en las que el nuevo prestador debe asumir su funcionamiento para el servicio "i", del prestador "e" y para el periodo "t". Este se estima mediante el promedio simple anual de los costos de operación y mantenimiento de los dos años anteriores de la o las ASADAS que el nuevo prestador ha tenido que asumir y se proyectan con el indicador que mejor se ajuste a su comportamiento o según lo establecido en la metodología de proyección de índices.

𝐂𝐆𝐌𝐔𝐍𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Costos y gastos asociados a la operación y mantenimiento de los acueductos municipales en las que el nuevo prestador debe asumir su funcionamiento, para el servicio "i", del prestador "e" y para el periodo "t". Este se estima mediante el promedio simple anual de los costos de operación y mantenimiento de los dos años anteriores de las municipalidades que el nuevo prestador ha tenido que asumir y se proyectan con el indicador que mejor se ajuste a su comportamiento o según lo establecido en la metodología de proyección de índices.

𝐂𝐆𝐏𝐂𝐒𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Costos y gastos asociados a los proyectos de carácter social en que incurren los prestadores para brindar el servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t". Se estiman mediante el promedio simple de los últimos dos años con información obtenida de los estados financieros auditados correspondientes al periodo "t=0" y se proyectan con el indicador que mejor se ajuste a su comportamiento o según lo establecido en la metodología de proyección de índices.

𝐋𝐈𝐢𝐞𝐭=𝟎 = Liquidación del periodo "t=0" se realizará, única y exclusivamente, para el último periodo al cuál se tengan Estados Financieros auditados y homologados. Se refiere a la diferencia entre los costos totales ajustados y los ingresos totales ajustados, del servicio "i", del prestador "e" para el periodo "t=0".

Se detalla en la ecuación 35.

i = Servicio regulado (acueducto, alcantarillado e hidrantes).

e = Prestador de servicios regulados por Aresep.

t = Periodos anuales del cálculo tarifario, "t=0" es el periodo base.

La variable "t" toma valores de 0, 1, 2 y 3.

Cabe destacar que los ingresos totales pueden ser históricos o proyectados, para este último caso, se pueden especificar dos casos: (i) a tarifas vigentes (ii) a tarifas propuestas.

7.4.1. Ingresos por ventas y otros ingresos Los ingresos totales del prestador se componen de (i) ingresos por venta del servicio "i" a usuarios (IViet) y por (ii) ingresos por concepto de "otros ingresos" que generan los prestadores al brindar el servicio (OTiet).

Se deben evaluar los registros históricos y luego estimar tanto los ingresos por ventas del servicio, así como también los otros ingresos, la suma que resulte de los ingresos por ventas y los ingresos por otros ingresos, corresponde al monto por ingresos totales del servicio "i" que deberá recibir el prestador.

El ingreso total del servicio "i" a usuarios finales se obtiene de la siguiente ecuación:

𝐈𝐓𝐢𝐞𝐭 = 𝐈𝐕𝐢𝐞𝐭 + 𝐎𝐈𝐢𝐞𝐭 Ecuación 30 Donde:

ITiet = Ingresos totales para el servicio "i", del prestador "e" y para el periodo "t". Si la suma de los costos y gastos totales (COMAiet), el Rédito para el desarrollo (RDiet), costos y gastos asociados a la operación y mantenimiento de las ASADAS (CGASADAiet), costos y gastos asociados a la operación y mantenimiento de los acueductos municipales (CGMUNiet) y costos y gastos asociados a los proyectos de carácter social (CGPCSiet) es igual a la suma de los ingresos por venta de servicios (IViet) más los otros ingresos (OIiet), entonces ITEiet (Se detalla en la ecuación 29) es igual a ITiet (Se detalla en la ecuación 30). Además, cuando la sumatoria de los ingresos por ventas totales vigentes (IVTViet) más los otros ingresos (OIiet) (Se detalla en la ecuación 34) es igual a los costos y gastos especificados en la ecuación 29, entonces ITiet es igual a ITViet e igual a ITEiet, de tal manera que hay equilibrio y no es necesario ningún ajuste de tarifas (Se detalla en la ecuación 38).

IViet = Ingresos totales por ventas anuales proyectados basándose en la estructura tarifaria, la estimación de demanda y considerando las tarifas del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t".

OIiet = Otros ingresos del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t". Comprende ingresos por venta de agua a granel y cualquier otro ingreso derivado o asociado con la operación que no corresponde a un ingreso por venta a usuarios finales del servicio (tales como ingresos financieros). No incluye lo relacionado con servicios conexos, en el tanto que están contemplados en otra metodología.

i = Servicio regulado (acueducto, alcantarillado e hidrantes).

e = Prestador de servicios regulados por Aresep.

t = Periodos anuales del cálculo tarifario, "t=0" es el periodo base.

La variable "t" toma valores de 0, 1, 2 y 3.

El monto total absoluto del cambio requerido en los ingresos por ventas (?IViet) es la diferencia entre el ingreso por ventas necesario para prestar el servicio (IViet) y los ingresos por ventas anuales proyectados, basándose en la estructura tarifaria, la estimación de demanda y considerando las tarifas vigentes (IVTViet), expresado de la siguiente manera:

Ecuación 31 Donde:

?𝐈𝐕𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Cambio absoluto requerido en los ingresos totales por venta para brindar el servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t".

𝐈𝐕𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Ingresos totales por ventas del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t".

𝐈𝐕𝐓𝐕𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Ingresos totales por ventas anuales proyectados basándose en la estructura tarifaria, la estimación de demanda y considerando las tarifas vigentes del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t". Se detalla en la ecuación 33.

i = Servicio regulado (acueducto, alcantarillado e hidrantes).

e = Prestador de servicios regulados por Aresep.

t = Periodos anuales del cálculo tarifario, "t=0" es el periodo base.

La variable "t" toma valores de 0, 1, 2 y 3.

7.4.1.1. Ingresos por ventas del servicio.

7.4.1.1.A. Ingresos totales por ventas del servicio a usuarios.

Los ingresos totales por ventas a usuarios se obtienen de sumar los resultados de multiplicar el precio para cada tipo de tarifa, según bloque de consumo, por la cantidad total estimada de agua a facturar asociada a cada tipo de tarifa según bloque de consumo, expresado de la siguiente manera:

Ecuación 32 Donde:

𝐈𝐕𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Ingresos totales por ventas anuales proyectados basándose en la estructura tarifaria, la estimación de demanda y considerando las tarifas del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t".

𝐏𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐬𝐪 = Precio por cada tipo de tarifa "s" del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t", según bloque de consumo "q". El precio por cada tipo de tarifa, según bloque de consumo corresponde al precio en colones por metro cúbico.

𝐕𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐬𝐪 = Volumen total de agua a facturar en metros cúbicos (m3) por tipo de tarifa "s", según bloque de consumo "q", del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t". Se estima a partir de los datos brindados por el prestador, corregidos por pérdidas eficientes en el año base, según el criterio de corrección establecido por el ente regulador. E incorporando los abonados adicionales producto de asumir a otros prestadores. Su estimación se realiza según la sección 7.3. denominada "Volumen total de agua a facturar".

q = Cada bloque de consumo.

k = Cantidad de bloques de consumo.

s = Cada tipo de categoría de tarifa según la estructura tarifaria vigente (por ejemplo, domiciliar, empresarial, gobierno, preferencial o cualquier otra que se determine).

g = Cantidad de tarifas existentes de acuerdo con el pliego tarifario vigente.

i = Servicio regulado (acueducto, alcantarillado e hidrantes).

e = Prestador de servicios regulados por Aresep.

t = Periodos anuales del cálculo tarifario, "t=0" es el periodo base.

La variable "t" toma valores de 0, 1, 2 y 3.

7.4.1.1.B. Ingresos por ventas del servicio a usuarios con tarifas vigentes.

Los ingresos totales por ventas a usuarios con tarifas vigentes se obtienen de sumar los resultados de multiplicar el precio vigente para cada tipo de tarifa, según bloque de consumo, por la cantidad total estimada de agua a facturar asociada a cada tipo de tarifa según bloque de consumo, expresado de la siguiente manera:

Ecuación 33 Donde:

𝐈𝐕𝐓𝐕𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Ingresos totales por ventas anuales proyectados basándose en la estructura tarifaria, la estimación de demanda y considerando las tarifas vigentes del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t".

𝐏𝐕𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐬𝐪 = Precio por cada tipo de tarifa "s" vigente del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t", según bloque de consumo "q". El precio por cada tipo de tarifa, según bloque de consumo corresponde al precio en colones por metro cúbico indicada en el pliego tarifario vigente al momento del estudio tarifario.

𝐕𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐬𝐪 = Volumen total de agua a facturar en metros cúbicos (m3) por tipo de tarifa "s", según bloque de consumo "q", del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t". Se estima a partir de los datos brindados por el prestador, corregidos por pérdidas eficientes en el año base, según el criterio de corrección establecido por el ente regulador. E incorporando los abonados adicionales producto de asumir a otros prestadores. Su estimación se realiza según la sección 7.3. denominada "Volumen total de agua a facturar".

q = Cada bloque de consumo.

k = Cantidad de bloques de consumo.

s = Cada tipo de categoría de tarifa según la estructura tarifaria vigente (por ejemplo, domiciliar, empresarial, gobierno, preferencial o cualquier otra que se determine).

g = Cantidad de tarifas existentes de acuerdo con el pliego tarifario vigente.

i = Servicio regulado (acueducto, alcantarillado e hidrantes).

e = Prestador de servicios regulados por Aresep.

t = Periodos anuales del cálculo tarifario, "t=0" es el periodo base.

La variable "t" toma valores de 0, 1, 2 y 3.

7.4.1.1.C. Ingresos totales con tarifas vigentes.

Los ingresos totales con tarifas vigentes se obtienen de sumar el resultado de los ingresos totales por ventas del servicio a los usuarios y los otros ingresos, expresado de la siguiente manera:

Ecuación 34 Donde:

𝐈𝐓𝐕𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Ingresos totales estimados con las tarifas vigentes para el servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t", en el cual, la tarifa estaría vigente en todo el año calendario.

𝐈𝐕𝐓𝐕𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Ingresos totales por ventas anuales proyectados basándose en la estructura tarifaria, la estimación de demanda y considerando las tarifas vigentes del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t".

𝐎𝐈𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Otros ingresos del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t". Comprende ingresos por venta de agua a granel y cualquier otro ingreso derivado o asociado con la operación que no corresponde a un ingreso por venta a usuarios finales del servicio (tales como ingresos financieros). No incluye lo relacionado con servicios conexos, en el tanto que están contemplados en otra metodología.

i = Servicio regulado (acueducto, alcantarillado e hidrantes).

e = Prestador de servicios regulados por Aresep.

t = Periodos anuales del cálculo tarifario, "t=0" es el periodo base.

La variable "t" toma valores de 0, 1, 2 y 3.

7.4.2. Liquidación del periodo anterior Una vez aplicado por primera vez el modelo descrito en la presente metodología, en la sucesiva fijación tarifaria ordinaria deberá revisarse, compararse y reconocerse las diferencias entre las estimaciones realizadas para el cálculo de las tarifas vigentes respecto a los valores históricos identificados durante el periodo en que el ajuste tarifario estuvo vigente. Las liquidaciones se podrán activar de oficio o a solicitud de parte, podrán tramitarse en paralelo con una solicitud de estudio ordinario o en forma separada, pero siempre como un procedimiento ordinario y resultando en un conjunto de nuevos estados financieros auditados, se perderá la posibilidad de realizar las liquidaciones de los periodos anteriores a la información actualizada del "t=0".

De esta forma, Aresep tomará en cuenta las desviaciones que se originan en el cálculo tarifario realizado mediante estimaciones, respecto a los valores observados, ajustados y actualizados. De presentarse diferencias entre lo estimado y lo observado, ajustado y actualizado, la diferencia de cada una de las variables se incorporará en el cálculo tarifario del periodo de vigencia de la nueva tarifa, afectando los ingresos al incluirse como una partida denominada liquidación del periodo anterior. El monto debe mantener el signo, que se obtuvo en la ecuación, es decir un monto positivo sumará un mayor ingreso, mientras que un monto negativo implica reducir el ingreso para compensar por liquidación.

Asimismo, para estos efectos, los datos presentados por el prestador deben estar auditados y homologados mediante lo establecido en Contabilidad Regulatoria. Estos datos serán revisados, analizados y depurados por parte de la Autoridad Reguladora y podrá establecerse un valor monetario diferente al reportado por el prestador, con el propósito de determinar su reconocimiento. Se deberá cumplir con los objetivos de la Ley N° 7593.

Ecuación 35 Donde:

𝐋𝐈𝐢𝐞𝐭=𝟎 = Liquidación del periodo "t=0" se realizará, única y exclusivamente, para el último periodo al cuál se tengan Estados Financieros auditados y homologados. Se refiere a la diferencia entre los costos totales ajustados y los ingresos totales ajustados, del servicio "i", del prestador "e" para el periodo "t=0".

𝐂𝐓𝐀𝐢𝐞𝐭=𝟎 = Costos y gastos totales ajustados para todas las variables relacionadas del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t=0". Se refiere al ajuste por diferencial de gastos históricos y gastos estimados para el CTAiet=0 (Costos y gastos totales operativos y de mantenimiento en que incurran los prestadores).

𝐈𝐓𝐀𝐢𝐞𝐭=𝟎 = Ingresos totales ajustados para todas las variables relacionadas del servicio "i", del prestador "e" para el periodo "t=0". Se refiere al ajuste por diferencial de ingresos históricos e ingresos estimados del servicio.

i = Servicio regulado (acueducto, alcantarillado e hidrantes).

e = Prestador de servicios regulados por Aresep.

t=0 = Corresponde al periodo "base" de análisis considerado en el estudio de fijación tarifaria y que permite el uso de valores históricos, u observados.

7.4.2.1. Liquidación de costos.

Los costos y gastos históricos que serán analizados en dicho proceso deben de ser coincidentes con los que se aprobaron en la estructura de costos y gastos del estudio tarifario que definió las tarifas vigentes del periodo a liquidar.

Para realizar el cálculo de la liquidación de los costos y determinar el ajuste correspondiente, se debe contrastar los costos y gastos estimados incluidos en el cálculo de la tarifa vigente (periodo "t=0") por el prestador "e" al brindar el servicio regulado "i" con los costos y gastos históricos obtenidos por el prestador regulado en dicho periodo, según los Estados Financieros Auditados y homologados, tal y como se detalla a continuación:

Ecuación 36 Donde:

𝐂𝐓𝐀𝐢𝐞𝐭=0 = Costos y gastos totales ajustados para todas las variables relacionadas del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t=0". Se refiere al ajuste por diferencial de gastos históricos y gastos estimados para el CTAiet=0 (Costos y gastos totales operativos y de mantenimiento en que incurran los prestadores).

𝐂𝐑𝐢𝐞𝐭=0 = Costos y gastos totales observados en el servicio "i", del prestador "e" y para el periodo "t=0". Son los gastos históricos por concepto operación, mantenimiento, administración y otros gastos conciliados con los estados financieros auditados y homologados en que incurran los prestadores para brindar el servicio en el periodo "t=0".

𝐂𝐄𝐢𝐞𝐭=0 = Costos y gastos totales estimados por Aresep en la fijación tarifaria por concepto de operación, mantenimiento, administración y otros gastos en el servicio "i", del prestador "e" y para el periodo "t=0". Este dato se debe tomar de la fijación tarifaria efectuada por la Aresep para el periodo "t=0".

i = Servicio regulado (acueducto, alcantarillado e hidrantes).

e = Prestador de servicios regulados por Aresep.

t=0 = Corresponde al periodo "base" de análisis considerado en el estudio de fijación tarifaria y que permite el uso de valores históricos, u observados.

En el caso de aquellos costos y gastos que no fueron incorporados por el prestador regulado en su pretensión tarifaria para el periodo "t=0" o fueron excluidos por el Ente Regulador como resultado de su análisis regulatorio, pero que fueron realizados y ejecutados por el prestador en el ejercicio de sus funciones, este deberá de aportar toda la información técnica requerida para validar la pertinencia y su vínculo a la prestación del servicio público y la Autoridad Reguladora valorará y determinará los rubros y montos a reconocer en el ajuste.

7.4.2.2. Liquidación de ingresos El ajuste total de Ingresos corresponde a la diferencia entre los ingresos observados y los ingresos estimados incluidos en el cálculo de la tarifa en el servicio "i" del prestador "e", para el periodo "t=0", el cual se obtiene de la siguiente manera:

Ecuación 37 Donde:

𝐈𝐓𝐀𝐢𝐞𝐭=0 = Ingresos totales ajustados para todas las variables relacionadas del servicio "i", del prestador "e" para el periodo "t=0". Se refiere al ajuste por diferencial de ingresos históricos e ingresos estimados del servicio.

𝐈𝐓𝐑𝐢𝐞𝐭=0 = Ingresos totales observados que recibió por brindar el servicio "i" del prestador "e" y para el periodo "t=0". Este dato se obtiene de los estados financieros auditados y homologados; con información histórica del periodo "t=0".

𝐈𝐓𝐄𝐢𝐞𝐭=0 = Ingresos totales estimados por Aresep en la fijación tarifaria en el servicio "i", del prestador "e" y para el periodo "t=0". Este dato se toma de la fijación tarifaria realizada por Aresep para el periodo "t=0" i = Servicio regulado (acueducto, alcantarillado e hidrantes).

e = Prestador de servicios regulados por Aresep.

t=0 = Corresponde al periodo "base" de análisis considerado en el estudio de fijación tarifaria y que permite el uso de valores históricos, u observados.

Además, las liquidaciones deben cumplir con el análisis de la Autoridad Reguladora donde se revisarán la depreciación, las adiciones y retiros de activos, como resultado entre lo ejecutado por el prestador regulado y lo proyectado por la Intendencia de Agua (IA) en el estudio tarifario inmediato anterior. Debe entregarse las justificaciones de las variaciones de cada uno de los montos (diferencias).

De igual manera, se debe entregar las justificaciones técnicas debidamente asociadas a la depreciación, las adiciones y retiros de activos históricos, no reconocidos por la Intendencia en la solicitud de ajuste tarifario inmediato anterior al periodo al que se realiza la liquidación tarifaria correspondiente. Para la presentación de la información técnica, los prestadores deben utilizar los formatos solicitados por la IA, tanto para la Contabilidad Regulatoria como para el estudio tarifario.

7.5. Determinación del porcentaje del ajuste en las tarifas para el periodo en que entrará a regir la nueva fijación tarifaria ordinaria Para la determinación del ajuste porcentual en las tarifas para el periodo en que entrará a regir la nueva fijación tarifaria ordinaria se aplicarán las siguientes dos etapas: (i) Primero, se calcula el monto absoluto de los recursos adicionales requeridos (Se detalla en la ecuación 38) (ii) Se determina el porcentaje de ajuste requerido, mediante la división del resultado de la ecuación 38 entre el total de los ingresos por ventas a tarifas vigentes (Se detalla en la ecuación 33). Este porcentaje se distribuye entre las tarifas vigentes, según la estructura tarifaria que defina la IA, para garantizar la obtención de los ingresos totales necesarios.

7.5.1. Determinación del ajuste requerido en términos absolutos, procedimiento ordinario Ecuación 38 Donde:

?ITiet = Cambio requerido en los ingresos totales del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t", en el cual, la tarifa estaría vigente.

ITViet = Ingresos totales estimados con las tarifas vigentes para el servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t", en el cual, la tarifa estaría vigente en todo el año calendario. Se detalla en la ecuación 34.

ITEiet = Ingresos totales esperados para el servicio "i", del prestador "e" y para el periodo "t". Se detalla en la ecuación 29.

i = Servicio regulado (acueducto, alcantarillado e hidrantes).

e = Prestador de servicios regulados por Aresep.

t = Periodos anuales del cálculo tarifario, "t=0" es el periodo base.

La variable "t" toma valores de 0, 1, 2 y 3.

7.5.2. Determinación del ajuste porcentual requerido, procedimiento ordinario Ecuación 39 Donde:

%𝐈𝐕𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Ajuste porcentual requerido en los ingresos totales por venta para el servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t".

?𝐈𝐓𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Cambio requerido en los ingresos totales del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t", en el cual, la tarifa estaría vigente. Se detalla en la ecuación 38.

𝐈𝐕𝐓𝐕𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Ingresos totales por ventas anuales proyectados basándose en la estructura tarifaria, la estimación de demanda y considerando las tarifas vigentes del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t". Se detalla en la ecuación 33.

i = Servicio regulado (acueducto, alcantarillado e hidrantes).

e = Prestador de servicios regulados por Aresep.

t = Periodos anuales del cálculo tarifario, "t=0" es el periodo base.

La variable "t" toma valores de 0, 1, 2 y 3.

Este ajuste porcentual requerido deberá ser distribuido de conformidad con lo que técnicamente determine la IA entre las diferentes tarifas y bloques de forma que se alcancen los ingresos requeridos por el prestador para brindar el servicio, según lo establecido en la ecuación 29.

8. ACTUALIZACIÓN DEL CANON DE REGULACIÓN POR VÍA EXTRAORDINARIA El monto por concepto de canon de regulación vigente a pagar a la ARESEP para la actividad de Acueducto, Alcantarillado e Hidrantes que se incluye en el cálculo tarifario, es el aprobado por la Contraloría General de la República.

Las tarifas vigentes deberán ajustarse extraordinariamente cuando el canon de regulación a pagar a la ARESEP cambie por un ajuste debidamente aprobado por la Contraloría General de la República.

Con ello, se busca dar cumplimiento a lo establecido por la misma Contraloría General de la República (CGR) mediante los oficios 1463 de fecha 12 de febrero del año 2010 y DFOE-ED-0996 de 15 de diciembre de 2010. En este último oficio se indica lo siguiente:

"es el criterio actual de esta Contraloría General, que corresponde a esa Autoridad Reguladora realizar los cálculos pertinentes para ajustar las tarifas de los servicios públicos, ajustándose a lo establecido en el artículo 30 de la Ley Reguladora de los Servicios Públicos N°7593, en cuanto establece que las fijaciones de tarifas de carácter ordinario, al contemplar variaciones de los factores de costo e inversión, deben ser realizadas de oficio por la propia Autoridad Reguladora. Para cumplir con lo antes indicado, esa Autoridad Reguladora deberá documentar, formalizar e implementar las metodologías necesarias, cuya aplicación será objeto de fiscalización por parte de este órgano contralor, a partir del cobro que hará la ARESEP del canon de regulación correspondiente al periodo 2012".

Lo anterior significa que, una vez que la Contraloría General de la República haya aprobado un nuevo monto de canon de regulación a pagar a la ARESEP, de oficio se deben ajustar los precios y tarifas de los servicios públicos regulados, reconociendo en este procedimiento extraordinario el cambio del valor entre el canon vigente y el nuevo aprobado por la Contraloría. Por tanto, para efectos de la presente metodología, los precios de los servicios públicos regulados se actualizarán vía extraordinaria cada vez que la Contraloría General de la República apruebe un nuevo monto de cánones y este sea debidamente publicado en el diario oficial La Gaceta.

Esta actualización por vía extraordinaria implica que el ajuste de los cánones autorizado por la Contraloría General de la República se constituye en un hecho generador del procedimiento extraordinario cuyo único gasto que se actualizará en los cálculos tarifarios es el nuevo monto de los cánones aprobados por la Contraloría, según se detalla en la siguiente sección. Los otros hechos generadores que la Ley 7593 incluye como hechos generadores para dar inicio a un procedimiento extraordinario de ajuste de tarifas, se aplicarán según corresponda.

8.1. Determinación del porcentaje del ajuste en las tarifas para el procedimiento de fijación tarifaria extraordinaria por ajuste de canon Para la determinación del ajuste porcentual en las tarifas para el periodo en que entrará a regir la nueva fijación tarifaria extraordinaria, se aplicarán las siguientes dos etapas: (i) Primero, se calcula el monto absoluto de los recursos adicionales requeridos para cubrir el cambio en el monto del canon (Se detalla en la ecuación 40) (ii) Se determina el porcentaje de ajuste requerido para cubrir el cambio en el monto del canon, mediante la división del resultado de la ecuación 40 entre el total de los ingresos por ventas a tarifas vigentes (Se detalla en la ecuación 33). Este porcentaje se distribuye entre las tarifas vigentes, según la estructura tarifaria que defina la IA, para garantizar la obtención de los ingresos totales necesarios.

8.1.1. Determinación del ajuste requerido en términos absolutos, procedimiento extraordinario Ecuación 40 Donde:

?ITCiet = Cambio requerido en los ingresos totales por cambio en el canon por pagar a la ARESEP del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t", en el cual, rige el nuevo canon.

𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐍iet = Monto absoluto de los cánones nuevos por pagar a la ARESEP, aprobados por la Contraloría General de la República, para el servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t".

𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐕iet = Monto absoluto de los cánones vigentes por pagar a la ARESEP, aprobados por la Contraloría General de la República, para el servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t".

i = Servicio regulado (acueducto, alcantarillado e hidrantes).

e = Prestador de servicios regulados por Aresep.

t = Periodos anuales del cálculo tarifario, "t=0" es el periodo base.

La variable "t" toma valores de 0, 1, 2 y 3.

8.1.2. Determinación del ajuste porcentual requerido, procedimiento Extraordinario Ecuación 41 Donde:

%𝐈𝐕𝐏𝐄𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Ajuste porcentual requerido en los ingresos totales por venta para el servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t", cuando se aplica el procedimiento extraordinario.

?𝐈𝐓𝐂𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Cambio requerido en los ingresos totales por cambio en el canon por pagar a la ARESEP del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t", en el cual, rige el nuevo canon. Se detalla en la ecuación 40.

𝐈𝐕𝐓𝐕𝐢𝐞𝐭 = Ingresos totales por ventas anuales proyectados basándose en la estructura tarifaria, la estimación de demanda y considerando las tarifas vigentes del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t". Se detalla en la ecuación 33.

i = Servicio regulado (acueducto, alcantarillado e hidrantes).

e = Prestador de servicios regulados por Aresep.

t = Periodos anuales del cálculo tarifario, "t=0" es el periodo base.

La variable "t" toma valores de 0, 1, 2 y 3.

Este ajuste porcentual requerido deberá ser distribuido de conformidad con lo que técnicamente determine la IA entre las diferentes tarifas y bloques de forma que se alcancen los ingresos requeridos por el prestador para brindar el servicio 9. ANEXO: DESCRIPCION DE VARIABLES.

| Variable | Descripción | | --- | --- | | | Activo fijo neto en operación revaluado del servicio "i", del prestador "e", al final del periodo "t". | | | Activo fijo neto en operación revaluado del servicio "i", del prestador "e", al inicio del periodo "t". | | | Activo fijo neto en operación revaluado promedio del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t". | | | Adiciones inspeccionadas por Aresep del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el ajuste tarifario "t". | | | Adiciones estimadas totales calculadas con base en las últimas 5 estimaciones anuales reconocidas en estudio tarifario ordinario para el prestador regulado para el servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t", comprende desde el periodo "t=-4" hasta el periodo base "t=0". | | | Adiciones históricas totales desarrolladas por el prestador regulado en la fijación tarifaria para el servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t", comprende desde el periodo "t=-4" hasta el periodo base "t=0". | | | Adiciones valoradas por Aresep, una vez realizada la deducción de los montos sin justificación técnica razonable para el servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t". | | ADMINiet | Costos y gastos administrativos. Representan la proporción de los costos y gastos de unidades o departamentos de apoyo asignados para el servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t". | | --- | --- | | Aiet | Definido como la sumatoria de la deuda y del patrimonio (Diet + Kiet) del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t". | | | Total de activos fijos al costo del servicio "i", del prestador "e", al final del periodo "t". | | | Total de activos fijos al costo del servicio "i", del prestador "e", al inicio del periodo "t". | | | Total de activos fijos revaluados del servicio "i", del prestador "e", al final del periodo "t". | | | Total de activos fijos revaluados del servicio "i", del prestador "e", al inicio del periodo "t". | | | Valor de la variable al inicio del mes de enero del periodo "t". | | | Valor del activo fijo "j" al costo del servicio "i", del prestador "e" para el periodo "t". | | | Valor del activo fijo "j" revaluado, del servicio "i", del prestador "e" para el periodo "t". | | BTiet | Base tarifaria del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t". | | --- | --- | | b | Valor de la variable al final de mes de diciembre del periodo "t". | | Cregiet | Canon regulación. Monto autorizado por la Contraloría General de la República (CGR), como pago por los servicios de regulación. Para su asignación, se considera la contribución porcentual de los ingresos del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t", respecto a los ingresos totales. | | CTiet | Capital de trabajo del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t". | | | Costos y gastos asociados a la operación y mantenimiento de los acueductos municipales en las que el nuevo prestador debe asumir su funcionamiento, para el servicio "i", del prestador "e" y para el periodo "t". | | | Costos y gastos asociados a los proyectos de carácter social en que incurren los prestadores para brindar el servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t". | | | Costos y gastos totales ajustados para todas las variables relacionadas del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t=0". | | | Costos y gastos totales de operación, mantenimiento, administración y otros costos y gastos indispensables en que incurran los prestadores para brindar el servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t". | | | Costos y gastos totales estimados por Aresep en la fijación tarifaria por concepto de operación, mantenimiento, administración y otros gastos en el servicio "i", del prestador "e" y para el periodo "t=0". | | | Costos y gastos totales observados en el servicio "i", del prestador "e" y para el periodo "t=0". | | CregNiet | Monto absoluto de los cánones nuevos por pagar a la ARESEP, aprobados por la Contraloría General de la República, para el servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t". | | --- | --- | | CregViet | Monto absoluto de los cánones vigentes por pagar a la ARESEP, aprobados por la Contraloría General de la República, para el servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t". | | | Promedio de las cuentas por cobrar de los últimos tres periodos anuales. | | | Depreciación acumulada de activos fijos al costo del servicio "i", del prestador "e", al final del periodo "t". | | | Depreciación acumulada de activos fijos al costo del servicio "i", del prestador "e", al inicio del periodo "t". | | | Depreciación acumulada de los activos fijos revaluados del servicio "i", del prestador "e", al final del periodo "t". | | | Depreciación acumulada de los activos fijos revaluados del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t". | | | Depreciación de activos fijos revaluados del servicio "i", del prestador "e" durante el periodo "t". | | | Depreciación de los activos al costo del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t". | | | Gasto por depreciación de activos del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t". | | --- | --- | | | Monto de cada deuda "w" del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t". | | Diet/Aiet | Porcentaje de capital financiado con deuda del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t". | | Diet/Kiet | Relación entre deuda y capital propio. | | Diet | Valor de la deuda del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t". | | EPIiet | Costos y gastos por estudios de pre-inversión de proyectos. d de los posibles proyectos u obras a construir. | | E | Externo. | | | Porcentaje total de ejecución por reconocer para el servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t", calculado con base en las últimas 5 estimaciones anuales reconocidas en estudio tarifario ordinario. | | e | Prestador de servicios regulados por Aresep. | | FAct | Factor de actualización compuesto. | | | Factor de actualización externo para el periodo t. | | --- | --- | | | Factor de actualización local para el periodo t. | | g | Cantidad de tarifas existentes de acuerdo con el pliego tarifario vigente. | | | Costos y gastos asociados a la operación y mantenimiento de las ASADAS en las que el nuevo prestador debe asumir su funcionamiento para el servicio "i", del prestador "e" y para el periodo "t". | | GCALIDADiet | Gasto incurrido para el control de la calidad del producto y del servicio a través de servicios de laboratorios independientes, técnica y administrativamente del prestador del servicio público, que cuenten con ensayos debidamente acreditados por el Ente Costarricense de Acreditación (ECA), para garantizar el cumplimiento de la normativa vigente en que incurre el operador para brindar el servicio "i", del operador "e", para el periodo "t". | | GELECTRiet | Gasto por electricidad en los procesos operativos de mantenimiento, administrativos, comerciales y de calidad para brindar el servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t". | | | Gasto por pérdida de retiro de activos para brindar el servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t". | | GCOMERiet | Gasto por servicios comerciales para brindar el servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t". | | GIMPUESTOie t | Gasto por tasas e impuestos en que incurre para brindar el servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t". Corresponde entre otros a los gastos del Impuesto al Valor Agregado (IVA) o cualquier otro gasto de esta naturaleza que sea establecido en la Contabilidad Regulatoria. | | | Índice de precios promedio externo para el periodo "t". | | --- | --- | | | Índice de precios promedio externo para el periodo inmediatamente anterior al periodo "t". | | | Índice de precios promedio local para el periodo "t". | | | Índice de precios promedio local para el periodo inmediatamente anterior al periodo "t". | | | Ingresos totales por ventas anuales proyectados basándose en la estructura tarifaria, la estimación de demanda y considerando las tarifas del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t". | | | Ingresos totales ajustados para todas las variables relacionadas del servicio "i", del prestador "e" para el periodo "t=0". | | | Ingresos totales esperados para el servicio "i", del prestador "e" y para el periodo "t". | | | Ingresos totales estimados con las tarifas vigentes para el servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t", en el cual, la tarifa estaría vigente en todo el año calendario. | | | Ingresos totales estimados por Aresep en la fijación tarifaria en el servicio "i", del prestador "e" y para el periodo "t=0". | | | Ingresos totales observados que recibió por brindar el servicio "i" del prestador "e" y para el periodo "t=0". | | --- | --- | | ITiet | Ingresos totales para el servicio "i", del prestador "e" y para el periodo "t". | | | Ingresos totales por ventas anuales proyectados basándose en la estructura tarifaria, la estimación de demanda y considerando las tarifas vigentes del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t". | | i | Servicio regulado (acueducto, alcantarillado, hidrantes). | | j | Cada activo. | | k | Cantidad de bloques de consumo. | | kpiet | Tasa del capital propio del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t". | | | Tasa de capital propio del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t" en dólares de los Estados Unidos de América (USD). | | Kiet/Aiet | Porcentaje de capital correspondiente a recursos propios del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t". | | Kiet | Valor del capital correspondiente a recursos propios o patrimonio del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t". | | | Liquidación del periodo "t=0" se realizará, única y exclusivamente, para el último periodo al cuál se tengan Estados Financieros auditados y homologados. | | L | Local. | | --- | --- | | | Meta de inflación anualizada. | | | Meta de inflación mensualizada. | | miet | Tasa impositiva del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t". Se supone igual a cero (0), según acuerdo 15-149-99 de la Junta Directiva de la Autoridad Reguladora (acta de la Sesión 149-99 del 19 de agosto de 1999) o lo que en su momento disponga la Junta Directiva. | | n | Total de activos. | | OyMiet | Costos y gastos de operación y mantenimiento en que incurren los prestadores para brindar el servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t". | | | Otros ingresos del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t". | | | Gasto por partidas amortizables para brindar el servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t". | | | Precio por cada tipo de tarifa "s" del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t", según bloque de consumo "q". | | --- | --- | | | Precio por cada tipo de tarifa "s" vigente del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t", según bloque de consumo "q". | | PR | Prima por riesgo para el ajuste tarifario. | | q | Cada bloque de consumo. | | Q | Total de obligaciones de largo plazo con costo financiero que se encuentra pendiente de pago para el periodo "t". | | RDiet | Rédito para el desarrollo del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t". | | | Retiro de activos depreciados revaluados del servicio "i", del prestador "e, para el periodo "t". | | | Retiros de activos depreciados al costo del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t". | | | Retiros del activo fijo al costo del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t". | | | Retiros del activo fijo revaluado del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t". | | | Revaluación correspondiente al periodo "t", de los activos del servicio "i", del prestador "e". | | --- | --- | | Rwiet | Tasa de interés de cada deuda "w" del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t". | | rdiet | Tasa del capital financiado del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t". | | | Tasa libre de riesgo para el ajuste tarifario. | | s | Cada tipo de categoría de tarifa según la estructura tarifaria vigente (por ejemplo, domiciliar, empresarial, gobierno, preferencial o cualquier otra que se determine). | | SGiet | Gasto por seguros. En esta cuenta se registran los contratos de seguros para cada servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t". | | t=0 | Corresponde al periodo "base" de análisis considerado en el estudio de fijación tarifaria y que permite el uso de valores históricos, u observados. | | t | Periodos anuales del cálculo tarifario, "t=0" es el periodo base. | | | Tasa de depreciación del activo "j" al costo del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t". | | | Tasa de depreciación del activo fijo revaluado "j" del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t". | | | Tasa de interés de los saldos de los pasivos de largo plazo con costo financiero, en dólares o equivalente en dólares, de la deuda "w" del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t". Es la tasa de interés en de los pasivos de largo plazo con costo financiero, en dólares o equivalente a dólares, producto de obligaciones formalizadas mediante documentos oficiales. El dato de la tasa de interés se obtiene de los contratos con el acreedor de la deuda, o el dato de la Contabilidad Regulatoria e información complementaria a esta, que la Aresep establezca. | | --- | --- | | TRiet | Tasa de rédito para el desarrollo del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t". | | Tcvt-1 | Tipo de cambio de Venta (CRC/USD) promedio del año anterior al que se realiza el cálculo tarifario. | | Tcvt | Tipo de cambio de Venta (CRC/USD) promedio del año para el que se realiza el cálculo tarifario. | | | Traslado de activos al costo, del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t". | | | Traslado de activos depreciados revaluados del servicio "i", del prestador "e, para el periodo "t". | | | Traslados de activos fijos al costo del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t". | | | Traslados de activos revaluados del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t". | | | Ingresos por ventas del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t". | | VTC¢$ | Tasa de la variación esperada (expectativa de mercado) del colón respecto al dólar para el ajuste tarifario. | | --- | --- | | | Valor de rescate del activo fijo revaluado "j" del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t". | | | Valor de rescate del activo j" al costo del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t". | | | Variación interanual anualizada. La variación interanual del índice al último mes disponible del índice de precios externo de los índices de precios de los Estados Unidos de América, los datos se toman de la página web del Bureau of Labor Statistic (http://www.bls.gov) de los Estados Unidos de América. | | | Variación interanual mensualizada. | | | Vida útil del activo "j" del servicio "i", del prestador "e".

"e", para el periodo "t". | | | Volumen total de agua a facturar en metros cúbicos (m3) por tipo de tarifa "s", según bloque de consumo "q", del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t". | | w | Cada obligación con costo financiero que se encuentra pendiente de pago para el periodo "t". | | | Ajuste porcentual requerido en los ingresos totales por venta para el servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t", cuando se aplica el procedimiento extraordinario. | | | Ajuste porcentual requerido en los ingresos totales por venta para el servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t". | | --- | --- | | ? | Anual | | | Beta apalancada de la inversión del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t". | | | Beta desapalancada para el ajuste tarifario. | | | Cambio absoluto requerido en los ingresos totales por venta para brindar el servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t". | | | Cambio requerido en los ingresos totales del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t", en el cual, la tarifa estaría vigente. | | | Cambio requerido en los ingresos totales por cambio en el canon por pagar a la ARESEP del servicio "i", del prestador "e", para el periodo "t", en el cual, rige el nuevo canon. Se detalla en la ecuación 40. | | ¢ | Colones de Costa Rica. | | | Dólares de los Estados Unidos de América (USD). | | ? | Mensual | | | Participación relativa del componente externo de gastos. | Participación relativa del componente local de gastos.

II.Derogar la resolución RE-0044-JD-2019, del 12 de marzo de 2019, "Metodología tarifaria para los servicios de Acueducto, Alcantarillado e Hidrantes (MTAAH)".

III.Tener como respuesta a las posiciones planteadas en la audiencia pública celebrada el 20 de mayo de 2022, lo señalado en el informe IN-0048-CDR-2022 del 12 de setiembre de 2022 y agradecer la valiosa participación en el este proceso.

IV.Instruir a la Secretaría de Junta Directiva de Aresep, para que proceda a notificar en un solo acto, al Instituto Costarricense de Acueductos y Alcantarillados, a la Empresa de Servicios Públicos de Heredia S.A., al señor José Antonio Fernández Elizondo y al señor Ismael Martínez Morera, la respuesta a las posiciones planteadas en la audiencia pública, así como la presente resolución.

V.Instruir a la Secretaría de Junta Directiva de Aresep, para que proceda a realizar los trámites necesarios para la publicación de la presente resolución en el diario oficial La Gaceta.

En cumplimiento de lo que ordena el artículo 245 de la Ley General de la Administración Pública, contra la presente resolución cabe el recurso ordinario de reposición o reconsideración, el cual deberá interponerse en el plazo de tres días contados a partir del día siguiente a la notificación, y el recurso extraordinario de revisión, el cual deberá interponerse dentro de los plazos señalados en el artículo 354 de la citada Ley. Ambos recursos deberán interponerse ante la Junta Directiva de Aresep, órgano colegiado al que corresponde resolverlos.

Rige a partir de su publicación en el diario oficial La Gaceta.