A. M. The Finance Commission has taken a crucial step for El Salvador by favorably ruling on the signing of a US$93 million loan between the Comisión Ejecutiva Hidroeléctrica del Río Lempa (CEL)) and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). This decision brings the country closer to an ambitious universal energy access program, benefiting thousands of families.
The main goal of this significant financing is to ensure that, by 2030, all salvadoran homes and schools have access to electricity. The program’s primary focus will be on rural areas, seeking to reduce the energy gap in the most vulnerable communities in the country.
The loan funds will be allocated to various transformative initiatives. The loan includes the design of technical profiles and the construction of distribution network extensions, as well as the implementation of mini-grids and individual isolated photovoltaic systems, adapted to the country’s geographic needs.
In addition to infrastructure, the program seeks to strengthen CEL’s technical capacity. This will guarantee the operation, maintenance, and long-term sustainability of all electrification projects implemented, ensuring continued service for communities.
With the final approval of this loan, it is estimated that approximately 8,735 families will directly benefit from the initiative, underscoring the commitment to bringing energy to areas that have historically had less access to this basic service.
If this important ruling is approved, the loan will materialize, allowing El Salvador to make significant progress toward eradicating energy poverty. This program will not only provide electricity but will also boost social and economic development in rural communities, improving the quality of life of their inhabitants and opening up new opportunities.
