Ecuador laying groundwork for Andean power grid participation

Studies are due to begin shortly to further define Ecuador’s participation in Andean power interconnection initiative SINEA.

In a direct procurement process, the country’s national power operator Cenace selected Fortia Consulting for a 150-day contract to draft the strategy and implementation plan for Cenace’s role in the Andean regional short-term electricity market (MAERCP).

Cenace said the market presents a “significant challenge” that “requires a meticulous preparation with an integral focus to ensure that all technological aspects, of processes, of organization, and staff competencies are aligned with the standards and regulatory requirements of the MAERCP.”

In May, the Andean Community’s committee of power service regulator bodies (Canrel) adopted the operational and commercial regulations for MAERCP, detailed in resolution 2402 and available in the Documents box in the top-right corner of the screen.

The resolution calls for MAERCP to be in place by July 1, 2026, with the initial participation of Colombia, Ecuador and Peru.

An interconnection already exists between Colombia and Ecuador, and a limited link between the latter and Peru.

Also read Ecuador launches international public tender for the Ecuador-Peru 500 kV electrical interconnection system