Power outages in seven cities across the country continued yesterday due to failures in power generation. The National Load Dispatch (NCDC) instructed to disconnect power from 19:10 to 20:05 affecting Santa Cruz, La Paz, Cochabamba, Oruro, Sucre, Potosí and Trinidad.

Arturo Iporre, president of the CNDC, explained that the reasons for such power cuts were attributed to the high temperatures in the east [thus more demand for energy] and random failures in the units.

As the manager of the Ende corporation, Nelson Caballero Vargas, announced that after verifying the proper operation of the Carrasco thermoelectric plant, it was authorized to enter the national grid. “There are 25 MW of power to enter today (Thursday) starting around 18:30 to remedy the lack of generation,” noted the executive.

Sugar mills are also a source of electricity generation. Mariano Aguilera, from Guabirá sugar cane mill, said that Guabira will provide electricity (20MW) starting Monday, noting that the harvest ended in mid-October. “We can not generate more, for lack of bagasse,” he argued.

Eduardo Paz, Guaracachi generator manager said that in the coming months they will increase the supply by the combined cycle and seasonal rainfall.

The former Oil superintendent, Carlos Miranda, said that by not having the combined cycle unit in Guaracachi operational, it has taken away the country the safety margin of 85 MW.

– Blackout: The first power outages were reported for this year on August 9, 10, 11 and 12 (six cities were affected). In September from the 29 to 30, and October, 29. This month, seven regions were cut on Tuesday and Wednesday.

http://www.eldeber.com.bo/2011/2011-11-10/vernotaeconomia.php?id=111109234029

The industry sector continues to ask for better service as it damages their productivity.