CentAm power roundup: Panama service bill, Guatemala emergency, Honduras grid boost

Panama’s national assembly reported that a first debate could begin next week on a bill to amend the power service regulatory framework.

Discussion of the initiative, available in the Documents box in the top right corner, is set to start after the completion of consultation with stakeholders.

“The important thing about the bill is that there are reasonable rates for electricity consumption, that the quality of service is improved and that user complaints are resolved promptly through a special procedure,” an assembly release quoted Roberto Ábrego, president of the commerce and economic affairs subcommittee, as saying.

Guatemala declares grid emergency

Guatemala’s energy and mines ministry declared the national grid to be in an emergency through May 31 due to the El Niño weather phenomenon.

The measure authorizes wholesale market administrator AMM to adopt necessary and exceptional actions to guarantee power supply.

AMM and state power company Inde also will have six months to conduct an analysis of how to strengthen the grid to face future contingencies.

Read Central America power sector bracing for prolonged El Niño

Honduras boosts grid

Honduras’ state power company Enee announced the addition of mobile transformers at substations as part of measures to bolster the grid ahead of the summer season.

An initial 20MW was added at San Isidro, which will eventually be increased to 40MW, and 20MW was incorporated at Cucuyagua, while 15MW is in the process of being added at Alstom and 10MW at Danlí.

Read Think-tank pegs Honduras power losses at US$900mn in 2023