Peru power grid facing restrictions, overloads

Peru’s power transmission system is operating at levels which excessively restrict grid maintenance due to delays of electricity dispatch projects.

The analysis is part of power grid coordinator COES’s 2025 operations outlook which contends that delays are also leading to overloads and other operational problems.

Of particular concern for COES is the north of the country where the situation is “increasingly critical” with some lines operating at the limit of their capacity.

Although there is a robust pipeline of lines and substations, the drawn-out process from promotion to startup, such as the case of projects tendered by investment promotion agency ProInversión, is a recurring criticism among stakeholders.

On the demand front, COES expects offtake from free clients to increase 72.4MW (561GWh) in 2025, driven by an expansion at steelmaker Aceros Arequipa and Lima metro’s line 2.

Regarding generation, the report highlights this year’s scheduled startup of the 252MW San Martín Solar park and the 209MW San Gabán III hydro.

COES’s outlook is available in the Documents box in the top-right corner of the screen.

In a related development, transmission operator Red de Energía del Perú (ISA REP) began a package of works known as “Ampliación 23” to overhaul substations in Chiclayo, Guadalupe, Trujillo and Ayaviri.

The package is part of a contract with the State and will require US$23mn, with each project expected to take 24-34 months.

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