A power outage or voltage fluctuation can sometimes leave you with more than an inconvenience—it can damage a refrigerator, television, computer, or other electrical appliance.
If this happens while you’re living in Panama, there is something important to know:
You have the right to file a claim with your electricity provider for damage caused by an electrical incident.
Panama’s National Public Services Authority (ASEP) recently reminded consumers of this right and outlined the steps and deadlines involved.
You Have 15 Business Days to File
If an outage, voltage fluctuation, or other electrical incident damages an appliance, you should first submit a claim directly to the electricity distribution company serving your property.
You have 15 business days from the date of the incident to file a claim for damaged electrical equipment.
Don’t wait too long—the deadline is important.
What Should You Document?
As soon as the incident occurs, make a note of:
- The date and approximate time of the outage or fluctuation
- The appliance or equipment that was damaged
- The brand and identifying details of the affected item
- Any evidence you have of the incident or resulting damage
Keeping photographs, videos, repair assessments, receipts, or other supporting documentation may also be helpful when demonstrating what happened.
What Happens After You File?
Once the claim is submitted, the electricity company has 15 calendar days to provide an official response.
If the company rejects your claim—or does not respond within that period—you can take the case to ASEP.
You then have 30 calendar days to formalize the claim with the regulator.
What Happens If ASEP Accepts the Claim?
Once ASEP formally accepts the case, the regulator has 30 business days to issue a resolution.
If the decision is favorable to the customer, ASEP can order compensation for the damaged equipment.
The electricity distributor then has 30 calendar days to comply with the compensation order.
There is another important consumer protection: according to ASEP, if the distributor fails to comply with the required payment period, regulations establish an automatic penalty requiring compensation of double the assessed value of the damaged appliance.
This Isn’t an Uncommon Complaint
ASEP says claims involving damaged electrical appliances represented 8% of complaints in 2025 and 7% of complaints recorded between January and August 31, 2026.
The regulator has also been monitoring electricity distributors—including EDEMET, EDECHI, and ENSA—over issues involving voltage fluctuations, outages, damaged appliances, and other service-quality concerns.
Quick Guide: What to Do
1. Document the incident immediately.
Write down the date and time and identify everything that was damaged.
2. Contact your electricity distributor.
File the damage claim within 15 business days.
3. Keep your claim number and documentation.
Save copies of everything you submit and any response you receive.
4. Watch the response deadline.
The distributor has 15 calendar days to respond.
5. Escalate to ASEP if necessary.
If your claim is rejected or you don’t receive a response within the required period, you can take the case to ASEP within the applicable 30-calendar-day period.
Good to Know When Living in Panama
If a refrigerator, television, computer, or another appliance suddenly stops working after an electrical incident, don’t automatically assume the replacement cost is yours to absorb.
Document what happened and submit your claim promptly.
Knowing the deadlines and keeping evidence from the beginning can make a significant difference when seeking compensation.
One Diversity shares practical information to help our community navigate everyday life in Panama with greater confidence.
Source: Autoridad Nacional de los Servicios Públicos (ASEP). Information current as of September 2026.
