Latest numbers from EOR, operator of Central America’s regional power market (MER), show a substantial drop in transactions amid depressed demand, as much of the region is on lockdown due to COVID-19.
This month through April 19, energy sales and purchases slid 44.5% and 43.1%, respectively, to 114GWh and 116GWh.
And although MER energy sales and purchases this year through April 19 rose 9.1% and 10.6%, respectively, to 963GWh and 974GWh, buoyed by pre-coronavirus activity, the growth is roughly half that recorded in the year-ago period.
Earlier this month, EOR highlighted that orders that restrict internal movement and that between countries has led to risks and limitations for the technical operation of the Siepac grid.
Meanwhile, Central America power interconnection commission CRIE has authorized transmission operators to access the regional transmission network (RTR).
One approval allows Nicaragua’s state power transmission company Enatrel to connect the 138kV San Juan del Sur substation and 10km line in Rivas department.
CRIE also greenlighted a request from Transportista Eléctrica Centroamericana (Trelec) to connect the 230/69kV Incienso to the RTR in Guatemala, as well as the expanded 230kV Guatemala Sur substation and 16.3km line connecting the substations. (https://www.bnamericas.com/en/news/central-america-power-trade-tumbles)
Photo credit: CRIE
