Chile delays power tender deadline amid new lockdown

Chile’s National Energy Commission has put back the deadline under the country’s latest electricity tender after authorities imposed a new lockdown on the capital Santiago. 

Companies now have until 5 August to present offers compared to the previous deadline of 25 June.

“The delay of the date to present proposals aims to ensure compliance with the provisions established by the health authority, as well as favouring adequate participation of the bidders in this tender,” the authority explained.

Under the tender, bidders can win contracts to supply up to 2,310GWh annually of electricity to regulated clients from 2026 onwards.

Renewable energy projects have dominated Chile’s annual power tenders for several years, helping to sharply reduce average electricity prices.

The Chilean government placed the whole of Santiago under lockdown from 12 June to reduce pressure on the country’s strained healthcare system.

The tender was originally due to take place in late 2020 but was delayed as a result of the pandemic.