August 30, 2005
Venezuelan Edelca's hydro generation surpasses expectations

(BNamericas.com) - "Venezuela's state-owned hydro generation giant Edelca generated 47,178GWh of electricity in the year to August 21, 1.3% more than expected due to higher water levels at its Guri reservoir, national grid operator Opsis said in its week 33 report.

For the week August 15-21, Edelca's hydro generation topped 1,426GWh.

Total power generation in Venezuela to August 21 including thermoelectric generation was 65,182GWh, Opsis reported.

In thermoelectric generation, integrated state power company Cadafe generated 6,764GWh in the year to August 21, while EDC produced 6,182GWh.

The Guri reservoir in the lower Caroni river basin feeds all Edelca's hydroelectric plants. Private power utility EDC, owned by US power company firm AES (NYSE: AES), has said it will seek higher purchases of Edelca's hydropower, which is cheaper than the thermo power it generates itself.

News of Guri reaching full capacity two weeks ago comes as the country braces for a projected 9% increase in electricity demand this year after a 7% jump last year (...)".