SANTIAGO, Oct. 16 (Xinhua) -- Chilean President Gabriel Boric accepted on Thursday the resignation of Energy Minister Diego Pardow, after a report revealed a nationwide miscalculation of electricity rates.
In a statement, the president's office said that the president "has accepted the resignation of the Energy Minister" and thanked him for his "commitment and work."
Pardow told local radio station "Cooperativa" that he received a report from the National Energy Commission two weeks ago, revealing the error in the periodic calculations used to set electricity rates for customers, which resulted in overcharges.
The error led to higher electric bills, which in turn fueled rising inflation in the South American country.
Pardow said the mistakenly high rates have gone undetected by both public and private agencies since 2017.
The Chilean government announced on Thursday that it will "compensate" families who were overcharged.
Alvaro Garcia, the current minister of economy, development and tourism, was appointed to replace Pardow and will head both ministries. ■
