Yesterday, Tuesday, the series of lectures began. The objective is to provide a space for training and technical updating of mass media communicators in general. As well, report on the progress of the negotiations related to the study of the budget and the definition of the Unit Cost of the Electricity Service (tariff) for next year.
Fabián Domínguez, Itaipú’s CFO, was one of the speakers. He informed that the Paraguayan strategy is to maintain the status quo (the current conditions). He explained that this will mean that energy prices for the user will continue to be competitive (low cost).
In addition, this situation will allow the national electricity system to continue to be strengthened.
Just as an example, in our country, the cost of the MWh is US $ 59 in residential areas. While in Uruguay it is US $ 245. That is, four times more. “Maintaining the status quo means continuing with the most competitive price in the region and in Latin America in terms of electricity to users. We want to continue maintaining a competitive price without neglecting the quality of the product, “he said.
DEADLINES
Domínguez informed that the point that still needs to be defined are operating expenses. He noted that the ideal is to reach an agreement before December 31.
“Beyond the referential dates. We can have this before December 31st. On January 1 we should already have a gradual rate. We are working for that. There is a meeting of presidents on December 14. We want them to embrace celebrating the new rate ”, he concluded.
NUMBERS
In terms of royalties, compensation and compensation, Itaipu generated US $ 611.5 million in 2019. It generated US $ 487 million in 2020 and US $ 371 million as of October 2021. The decrease this year is due to the decrease of the river that generates a decrease in energy generation.
The record figure was produced in 2016 with US $ 1.2 billion of income in these concepts. In terms of social responsibility, it will generate around US $ 100 million during this year.
Domínguez denied some criticism from energy experts who say that without the negotiations, conditions will improve.
He pointed out that, if an agreement is not reached, what will happen is that the prices of 2022 are maintained, that is, of the previous year.
It is important to mention that, as Itaipu was not conceived to earn money with the rate it generates, the annual cost of its production must be the same as its annual rate, as established in Annex C of the treaty.
In order to establish the amount of the rate to govern for next year, an approved binational budget base is required, in accordance with the regulations and statutes of the entity, which, subsequently, must be submitted to the consideration of the executive board and the Board of Directors. Administration, respectively.
