Latin America, Caribbean power roundup

IDB approved a US$10mn loan to improve energy efficiency and electricity demand management on Colombia's San Andrés archipelago (pictured), which is not connected to the country's grid.

The project will benefit 7,200 consumers and will promote the installation of photovoltaic solar solutions to reduce energy consumption from fossil fuels, the bank said in a statement.

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Dominican Republic power holding company CDEEE reported that 11 generation companies submitted documents in an international call to supply electricity to distributors under short-term contracts.

Documents will be reviewed until October 5 and companies, whose names were not disclosed, will have until October 17 to respond to observations, with offers due month-end.

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The trade committee of Panama's national assembly decided to merge two related bills, one that would establish a moratorium on hydroelectric concessions in Chiriquí province and another a moratorium on the granting of power generation permits and concessions in the country. The new initiative will now be sent to the full assembly for a first debate.

ALSO READ What type of precedent does Panama's Barro Blanco agreement set? and Is anyone happy with Panama hydro deal?

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In its first half interim results report, South America-focused power generation stakeholder Rurelec said that its Peru projects "are still being actively marketed. Interest has been shown by a number of potential purchasers."