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14
July 1999
Bill Richardson
Secretary of Energy
US Dept of Energy
1000 Independence Ave SW
Washington, DC 20585 USA
Dear
Mr. Richardson,
RE: Electric Power Integration of Latin America
-- Hemispheric Energy Ministers Conference
In
Miami in 1994, the Summit of the Americas convened
to foster sustainable economic growth, increased trade
and poverty alleviation. One key element of that commitment
was to cooperate on the common goal of creating efficient,
environmentally sound and secure energy markets.
One of those goals included the electrical integration
of power networks between countries. Mercosur and
the Central American nations are progressing with
regional power grids, and most nations have bilateral
energy links. The trend is positive -- yet the benefits
of electrical transmission integration remain unrealized
to their highest potential:
- load sharing between utilities
- emergency back-up power
- peak power saving through daytime power exchange
- deferral of additional capacity reqirements
- increased system reliability
- improved frequency and voltage control for operators
- ability to retire older and ecologically unsound
generation capacity
- increased trade between countries
Canada and the U.S. are extensively interconnected,
and both have energy/capita figures that are 5 - 20
times the average citizen in Latin America. But America
runs primarily on fossil and nuclear fuels, while Central
and South America are blessed with ample hydro and geothermal
power. Power grid integration of this hemisphere will
foster economic growth and a cleaner environment.
Please reconsider this stragegy while in New Orleans.
I hope we have the chance to meet personally.
In partnership for the planet,
Peter Meisen
President
Enclosures:
GENI
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Updated 08/30/1999
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