Distortion of Electricity Market Attributed to Distributors

Through amendments to the law, the Panamanian government is aiming to improve conditions in the electricity market.

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

"The purchase of energy in the occasional market in Panama costs the state about $100 million annually, said the Secretary of Energy, Juan Urriola. Because of this, authorities have submitted to the National Assembly an amendment to the Law of February 6, 1997, which seeks to improve the national electricity market", reported PanamaAmerica.com.pa.

The Ministry of Energy, the Electricity Transmission Company (ETESA) and the Public Services Authority (ASEP) have proposed these changes. The authorities feel that there is a distortion in the functioning of the wholesale electricity market, leading to inadequate formation of prices, and, in the end, this affects the final charges for consumers.

More on this topic

Panama to Award Electricity Distribution Concession

July 2010

The Panamanian State has bought Bocas Fruit Company’s electrical assets for $4 million, to award a concession contract.

Juan Manuel Urriola, Energy Secretary, explained that once the assets have been purchased, they will proceed to release them under administrative concession so that they can be managed privately to supply electricity to the village communities of Changuinola and Almirante.

Opposition to Energy Market Regulation

February 2012

The Panamanian electricity sector is opposed to law reforms with which the state aims to improve the electricity market.

Industry representatives at the forum ‘Challenges and Threats in the Electricity Sector’ presented ideas and various solutions to solve current problems.

Colombian Investments in Central America

January 2011

EPM Group bought to Ashmore Energy International electricity distribution company ENSA of Panama and DELSUR of El Salvador for $ 200 million.

The Corporate Group EPM (Empresas Públicas de Medellín) is dedicated to providing public services related to electricity, water, sanitation and telecommunications, through 12 subsidiaries. It is owned by the Municipality of Medellín, governed by Colombian commercial law.

Panama: $315 million Trust

November 2011

This fund will cover the additional costs of buying electricity that the Esti hydroelectric plant is unable to produce.

The damage to the Esti hydroelectric dam, which is due to be operational again in May 2012, has forced Empresa de Transmisión Eléctrica S.A to sign a trust agreement for $315 million with the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF).

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