Economy and Finance Minister Alonso Segura said the Gasoducto Sur Peruano (GSP) gas pipeline is essential for the country, because, besides supplying the southern Peruvian population with natural gas, it will ensure energy security to sustain the country's development.
“Having GSP is like buying insurance, because we currently depend on Camisea gas pipeline and, if it stops operating, for any reason, we would get into so much trouble. GSP will give us the energy security we need,” he told Radio Capital.
Segura recalled that even though GSP goes through the highlands to supply Apurimac, Cusco, Puno and Arequipa regions with gas, its terminal point is located on the coast to supply the future Southern Energy Node, which will generate power for the National Interconnected Electrical System (SEIN).
The Executive has introduced a bill to export electric energy, which will help increase the demand and lower prices.
The initiative will allow Peruvian users to pay less for the construction of GSP through electricity bills.
Electricity rates will gradually rise, due to GSP related works. This will be necessary to create a fund to finance the project’s construction. “Electricity exports will increase the demand and, therefore, the impact on rates will be minor,” Segura pointed out.
(END) RGP/JJN/RMB/MVB
Published: 5/3/2016