News

27 Sep 2020

Considering the country's energy shortage, El Platanal hydroelectric plant will provide power

CelepsaCelepsa

  • COES-SINAC requested an increase in hydroelectric production to mitigate shortages due to a decline in thermoelectric production due to natural gas pipeline repairs.
  • Celepsa will boost controlled water levels in Paucarcocha to provide energy to the country.

San Juanito, September 27th, 2020.- The Operating Committee of the National Interconnected Electric System (COES-SINAC) has requested that all hydroelectric plants in the country with regulated reservoirs increase their electricity production to cover the national energy deficit caused by the maintenance of the Natural Gas Pipeline Transportation System from Camisea, implying that thermoelectric plants will decrease their electricity production.

It should be remembered that natural gas production accounts for 50% of total system output, therefore any decline in thermoelectric plant output must be compensated for by energy from hydroelectric plants. Failing to do so may result in power outages and shortages in various cities around the country.

In this context, and in order to avoid potential environmental impacts in the Cañete River's upper basin, El Platanal Hydroelectric Power Plant will increase the volume of water output from its Paucarcocha reservoir (Tanta-Yauyos) from 4.5 to 20 m3/s from September 28th to October 2nd in order to increase energy production and deliver it to the country on the specified dates. As a result, Celepsa will meet the Peruvian State's mandatory energy need.

This event is distinct from the annual operational maintenance efforts (Capillucas Dam Maintenance) that take place during the flood season.

Celepsa affirms its commitment to generating sustainable energy for Peru, as well as to coordinating and sharing transparent information.
Claudia Noda, Communications Coordinator, can be reached at cnoda@celepsa.com.