Business community hits at government handling of energy

WHILE the government ignores or denies an energy crisis in Panama, the business community appears not to agree.

The lack of transparency in the purchase of energy is affecting the Panamanian electric system says Ivan Barria, chairman of the Energy Committee of Panama’s Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture., says the government has made " dubious and choices and offers with few takers, who, in the end , do not complete the projects presented .

In late 2013 , the National Authority of Public Services canceled the license of the company Thermo Energy, SA , which had won the contract eight months before using coal to generate electricity from 2017 .
It is important for energy procurement be made early because only then can engage other stakeholders, and not those tenders to build coal and gas plants said Barria.
Last year, the company NG Power Panama won without competition the bid to build a plant that will use natural gas and must be operating in 2017. The event was criticized for last minute changes that were made in the specifications.
A few days ago the Panamanian Association of Business Executives, referred to a developing crisis and criticized constant changes in legislation affecting the development of the energy market sector.