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Argentina Eyes $6.5 Billion Tariff-Funded Private Buildout for Power Grid

Officials warn the grid lags rising demand, risking supply restrictions without swift expansion.

Overview

  • The Milei administration estimates about US$6.5 billion is needed to reinforce high‑voltage transmission and prevent power cuts during peak seasons.
  • The Energy Secretariat led by María Tettamanti proposes private execution of the works with investment recovered through a future charge or canon on electricity bills, a mechanism still under development.
  • Priority projects include the 500 kV Río Diamante–Charlone–O'Higgins line in Cuyo, the Puerto MadrynChoele ChoelBahía Blanca expansion in Patagonia, and a new Plomer transformer plus more than 500 km of EzeizaVivoratá–Atucha lines for the Buenos Aires area.
  • Government documents note peak electricity demand rose roughly 26% over the last decade while only about 1,200 km of high‑voltage lines were added.
  • Officials attribute past delays to a lack of financing and caution that outages could persist if funding and construction are not secured.