Central America power watch

Nicaragua may be in a position for greater participation in the regional power market (MER), according to lawmakers.

The possibility was mentioned in a sector debate during a meeting (pictured) of the national assembly’s infrastructure and public services committee.

With 99.1% national electricity coverage, Nicaragua could step up exports to the MER, committee chair Jenny Martínez was quoted as saying by the legislative body.

Information from Central America power grid operator EOR shows no MER injections in 2021 from Nicaragua, which did, however, withdraw the second highest amount last year.

Source: EOR

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Guatemala's wholesale power market administrator AMM published the definitive programming outlook for May 2022 through April 2023, after last month’s release of the preliminary forecast.

The 806-page document, available here, in Spanish, highlights that demand in the period is projected to reach 12,521GWh, up 3.29% from 2021-22 consumption, which is estimated to hit 12,122GWh.

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Costa Rica’s public services regulator Aresep released the results of a power sector survey.

Among the results, 49% of respondents said they pay less 20,000 colones (US$30.47) per month for electricity, 33% between 20,000-40,000 colones and 13% over 40,000 colones; and 60% classed service as “very good.”

Regarding the perception of interruptions, 40% said they experienced a cut in 2021 versus 49% the year before.