On Friday, July 21, at 5:00 pm, the National Energy Control Center (CENACE) reported an unprecedented surge in electricity demand, reaching a record-breaking 624 MW. This soaring demand resulted in distressing blackouts that affected several municipalities in the state, namely Los Cabos, La Paz, Loreto, and Ciudad Constitución. The impact of these blackouts has raised concerns among citizens and authorities alike.
Comparing this year’s demand to the same period in July 2022 reveals a startling 8.74 percent increase, with the previous demand standing at 595 MW. This steep rise in energy consumption reflects the pressing need for more robust and sustainable power solutions to meet the growing electricity requirements of the region.
You might also like
Earlier in the year, President Lopez Obrador (AMLO) recognized the urgency of addressing the energy challenges and took a significant step by approving a substantial investment of $180 million USD. This financial injection aimed to facilitate the establishment of a state-of-the-art gas-fueled power plant in Pichilingue, La Paz. Once operational, the new facility is expected to provide much-needed support or even substitution for the existing diesel-fueled plant, ultimately bolstering the region’s power supply capacity.
However, until the new power plant is commissioned and fully functional, the affected municipalities will continue to experience intermittent blackouts. The situation emphasizes the significance of promptly implementing long-term energy solutions to secure a stable and reliable electricity grid for the region’s residents and industries.
In conclusion, the record-breaking electricity demand experienced on July 21 highlights the urgency of addressing the energy deficit in the region. President Lopez Obrador’s approval of funding for the gas-fueled power plant in Pichilingue offers a ray of hope for a sustainable future. However, for the time being, the affected communities must brace themselves for ongoing blackouts until the new facility becomes operational. Monitoring developments on this critical energy project will be vital as the region seeks to secure its energy future.
