The version of Rodríguez Chirillo’s departure began some time ago when the Minister of Economy, Luis Caputo, appointed the coordinating secretary of Energy and Mining, Daniel Gonzalez, coincidentally one of the officials most in demand by businessmen at the business meeting that is taking place in Mar del Plata.
Official sources comment that the link between Rodríguez Chirillo and González “it was never good” and that for several weeks the coordinating secretary was looking for a replacement together with Emilio Apudmember of the PRO technical team in energy matters.
The new Secretary of Energy will be Maria Tettamantiformer head of the Camuzzi gas distributor and member of the energy table of the Pensar del PRO Foundation.
In statements made in Mar del Plata, within the framework of the IDEA Colloquium, Mauricio Macri acknowledged that the Government asked him for “collaboration in terms of strengthening the energy team.” However, the former president excused himself from commenting on Tettamanti’s appointment because “I have not yet spoken to the Pensar Foundation.”
Energy: what the Government plans to face the increase in summer demand
Last month, Rodríguez Chirillo had to come out to clarify statements by the Chief of Staff, Guillermo Francosabout possible electrical shortages and assured that if there are scheduled electricity cuts in the summer, they will only be for industries, and not for homes. In addition, he confirmed that negotiations have begun with other countries to enable the import of supply during demand peaks due to high temperatures.
The energy issue continues to be a cause of concern among businessmen and was one of the most discussed topics at the Colloquium. Official estimates were discussed that account for the prospect of power shortages in the summerparticularly if it does not rain, if there is a drought in Brazil and temperature spikes, circumstances that would lead to a situation “complicated”.
“The biggest problem in the summer is the consumption of air conditioners”explains an expert in the field. In this sense, he points out that “there are two consumption peaks, one during the day and the other at night, but if it is very hot, the one that weighs the most is the first.” For this reason, it is considered that a time change would not be of major relevance.
Faced with this panorama, the authorities are in conversations with the private sector in order to find cooperation mechanisms that allow the possible energy shortages that would be recorded in the summer season to be managed in the best way. The import of energy is not ruled out either.
Energy rates
The numbers handled by the Government show that The rates already cover 80% of the costs in the case of electricity and 70% in the case of gas. However, the relevant fact is that, given the deterioration suffered in recent times, “it will take between three and five years to normalize the supply”according to area evaluations.
In the sector, it is considered that “the best tool to encourage energy savings is to adjust the cost of bills,” but they warn that “After many years of free prices, it will take time to change consumer habits”.
Authorities are also working on encourage the replacement of appliances that consume high consumption with more modern ones that save energy. In this sense, an attempt will be made to get financial entities to replicate the initiative of Banco Nación, which financed the purchase of these appliances in 24 interest-free installments.
Source: Ambito
