Private Enterprise and Financial Markets > Infrastructure and Financial Markets > Infrastructure
Electric Power Sector Reform in Latin America and the Caribbean
By Manuel Dussan (06/96, IFM-104, En)
Most countries in Latin America and the Caribbean are in the process of reforming the electric power sector to establish a new regulatory and institutional environment, characterized by greater competition, autonomy of state-owned enterprises, and participation of private capital. This paper analyzes the technical and economic characteristics of the electricity sector, the special conditions prevailing in the region that determine its development, the main issues that were faced prior to the reform movement, and the status and prospects for sector reform in the region. Based on this diagnostic, the paper proposes a common denominator across countries on the general elements of regulatory policy that are essential to meet the basic objectives of public services.
The issues and options on regulatory and institutional matters that are presented in this paper are discussed in detail in the extensive literature that is available on this subject. The main contribution of this paper is to focus on matters that are relevant to the region based on its specific situation and conditions.
Manuel Dussan is a consultant in power sector reform. Mr. Dussan has more than 25 years experience in the power sector in Latin America and the Caribbean. During the past 5 years was involved in the power sector reform in colombia and was a commissioner from 1993 to 1995 at the Energy Regulatory Commission in Bogota. The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the position of the Inter-American Development Bank.
This publication is a draft. Tables including data are missing. If you would like a complete copy, please send an e-mail to Anitad@iadb.org or mail to Anita Daza, W-508, Inter-American Development Bank, 1300 New York Ave. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20577.
Last updated: 01/29/07
