Generation up 5.4% in Mar

Chilean power generation in March rose 5.4% year-on-year to 4,334GWh, according to information from national statistics institute INE. Accumulated generation in the first quarter reached 12,398GWh. Generation in the SIC grid, which covers the heavily populated central region of the country, totaled 3,060GWh during the month, or 70.6% of total power generation. Generators in the SING grid serving the mining-intensive northern part of the country produced 1,008GWh, or 23.2% of the total. Thermoelectric plants produced 1,681GWh in March, up 15.2% from the same month a year ago. However, combined-cycle plants generated 911GWh, or 14.7% less than in March 2004, as a result of Argentina's gas crisis. Hydroelectric plants produced 1,742GWh during the month, up 9.9% from the same month a year ago. Of the total power generated in March, hydroelectric plants supplied 40.2%, thermo plants 38.8% and combined cycle plants 21%, INE said. Chile's generation system has been hit in the past few months by severe cuts in natural gas imports from Argentina. Generators and industrial gas users have had to scramble for alternative - and more expensive - fuels such as diesel. Meanwhile, the water levels at Chile's main hydro dams - Laja, Ralco, Chapo and Colbún - have reached record lows due to lack of rainfall. DISTRIBUTION Power sales increased 5.8% in March compared to the same month in 2004, up 8% from February this year, INE said, without giving figures. The mining sector used 32.3% of the electricity, the industrial sector 30.9% and the residential sector 15%.