Pagina Siete: Guaracachi was supposed to generate electricity (82 MW) to the national system, by 11/01/2010. Because of that “delay,” the Authority for Electricity (AE) has established a fine of 939 thousand Bolivianos, because the generating unit Guaracachi 12 is not ready.
The original budget for this combined cycle was 40 million dollars without taxes, insurance. In September 2008, its cost went up to 68 million dollars and by April 30, 2010, it went up again to 85.7 million dollars. As of June 30, 2011 the cost is 92.3 million dollars, which is still unofficial. According to the minister of Hydrocarbons and Energy, Jose Luis Gutierrez, this unit will be in operation by the end of November.
http://www.paginasiete.bo/2011-10-07/Economia/Destacados/8Eco01-071011.aspx
La Razon: The company in charge of the installation of the turbine in Guarachi, Inesco will not be sanctioned, as minister Jose Luis Gutierrez stated. Inesco had no contractual sanctions stipulated under the contract with Rurelec, which run Guaracachi.
http://www.la-razon.com/version.php?ArticleId=138824&EditionId=2676
La Prensa: Reports that subsidies prevent investment on electricity generation, said vice-minister of Electricity, Roberto Peredo. The subsidy occurs by comparing how much it costs a million cubic feet (mcf) of natural gas. Generating companies in Bolivia pay 1.3 dollars per mcf to generate thermal-electricity. If the same volume of natural gas is exported to Brazil and Argentina, the prices are between eight and nine dollars. So, the subsidy is between 6.7 to 7.7 dollars pcf.
Bolivian industries use up to 40% of the available electricity; domestic comsuption is 60%. A recent report from the National Committee that releases energy, has stated that the reserves are at a very low-level, and sometimes are zero.
Thus, we may expect ongoing blackouts. Both industries and domestic users will have to endure such energy cuts and probably incur in economic losses.
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