Chile's 2021 power auction postponed again due to COVID-19 lockdown

Chile’s National Energy Commission (CNE) announced on Tuesday that the 2021 power auction was being postponed again due to a strict COVID-19 lockdown imposed on the Santiago Metropolitan Region.

The decision comes after the health authorities decreed a restriction on movement in the nation’s capital as of Saturday, June 12, to ease the pressure on intensive care units. Acting in response, CNE postponed the deadline for the presentation of offers until August 5, saying that it wanted to comply with the health measures and ensure adequate participation in the bidding process.

The earlier submission date for offers was set for June 25, rescheduled from May 28 due to another lockdown measure in the Santiago region.

The 2021 auction was announced in late December 2020 with the goal to place 2,310 GWh of electricity per year for 15 years. The off-takers will be power distribution companies, which will deliver the contracted electricity to consumers subjected to regulated prices.

The power can come from any type of generating plant and energy storage. Existing plants and new generation projects are eligible to participate in the round.

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