Note Grows stress in electrical system by depleting reservoirs and central AES Gener failure
Marginal cost would yesterday reached a peak of $ 290 MWh, the highest level since April 2012. The Nueva Renca Central left out of the system and Nehuenco 2 reduced its days of exposure
The lack of rainfall, low reservoir levels, along with the maintenance and some power failures are increasing the stress of power system operation. This situation led to record levels the marginal costs, which correspond to the value at which energy is traded on the day (spot) and are a benchmark for business spending.
On Monday, the marginal cost averaged U.S. $ 269 per MWh, and electrical group sources said yesterday, at certain times of the day, reached U.S. $ 290 per MWh. The same sources indicate that it is likely to reach U.S. $ 300 MWh in the short term if it does not rain.
The companies that are clients of the generators Companies are paying energy costs that exceed almost three times the price that cancel households (U.S. $ 79 per MWh). Moreover, the value of U.S. $ 290 per MWh would be the highest recorded since April 27, when it averaged U.S. $ 294.4 MWh.
A key aspect that makes the electrical system is the dry year. On Monday depletion were found in four major reservoirs: Pehuenche, Colbún, El Toro and Cipreses. That means they are at their lowest level, do not have stored energy and, therefore, function as central in passing, as it has water that comes from the tributaries. “They are at ground level does not mean they are empty, but they have a lot of water is not enough to generate power. So the deal fell sharply, “said general manager Valgesta, Ramon Galaz.
To this situation comes a month after the recent rains which gave a reprieve to hydroelectricity.
According to the CDEC-SIC data, which coordinates the generators Companies, water plants are providing 25% of generation.
Experts said the lack of water is the fact that this week had 1,000 MW of coal-fired generation from the system. A failure of Nehuenco 2 Colbún (will not operate until August) joined other New Renca AES Gener, which could leave not work, at least one month. To reduce the risks began to operate yesterday Nehuenco 1 since June 16 was in maintenance.
The lower hydro and coal generation being hedged with energies less efficient. “The system is being supplied with units called faces, which use diesel. That’s what has very high marginal costs. That’s probably what we see until we arrive back what is the water resource, “said Galaz.
This Thursday and Friday rain is expected in the south central area, which could reduce the deficit and improve the level of reservoirs. “That rain will always be positive, but as we are in a deep state of scarcity, what we have this weekend will not be enough to solve the problem,” said Galaz.
The Energy Minister Jorge Bunster ruled implement a rationing decree, but stressed that the option always be studied. “We are permanently monitored. We are in the presence of dry hydrology, wish to change that this weekend, “he said.
Source: La Tercera.cl
