The bill being discussed in Congress aims to regulate fuel quality and encourage a drop in the prices of petroleum products.
The Hydrocarbons Law that is being discussed in the National Congress will define, among other aspects, the marketing chain, wholesale importers, distribution and transportation.
In relation to the current status of the bill, the secretary of the Mining and Hydrocarbons Commission in the National Congress, Juan Carlos Elvir, explained to Latribuna.hn that "... they now know the ruling on the Hydrocarbons Law, which very soon will continue being discussed in the House."
In Panama, discussion continues over a bill that would modify regulation of the electricity sector, including, among the most controversial changes, setting limits on concessions granted to companies.
For months, the Trade and Economic Affairs Commission in the Assembly of Panama has been discussing Bill 573, which modifies the regulatory framework for the provision of electricity services.
In Panama, a bill is being discussed which would modify the legal framework of the electricity sector, and among the proposed changes is setting limits on concessions granted to companies.
The National Assembly of Panama reported that "...The Trade and Economic Affairs Commission continued discussion of Bill 573, which modifies the regulatory framework for the provision of electricity services, witha reading of the modifications presented by the parties."
Public consultation is being carried out on the methodology for calculating tariffs for power generation from solid waste.
The drop in oil prices and high operating costs are not the only obstacles to projects generating energy from waste in Costa Rica. Now the Regulatory Authority of Public Services is calling for a public hearing in order to "start writing" a methodology, ordinary and extraordinary, that will determine the reference rates for power plants using municipal solid waste.
The bill which aims to reduce the sulfur content in diesel and gasoline would give importers and distributors up to 12 months to renegotiate supply contracts once it comes into effect.
From a statement issued by the National Assembly of Panama:
The National Assembly will be legislating on a bill which aims to reduce the sulfur content in diesel fuel and gasoline for motor vehicles distributed in Panama, based on international standards, seeking to minimize environmental pollution and lengthen human life and the lifespan of cars.
Starting April the maximum permitted amount of sulfur will be 500 parts per million, and higher amounts of sulfur in diesel may only be used for electricity generation.
It is expected from the second week of May the new diesel will be publicly available at an additional cost of $0.06 per gallon, approximately. In the case of imported diesel intended for power generation, a special permit must be applied for from the Ministry of Energy and Mines (MEM).
Up until March 6 public consultation will be held on the proposed modification of trade rules for the wholesale electricity market in Panama.
From the order given by the National Authority for Public Services in Panama (ASEP):
It is resolved:
"... FIRST: APPROVE holding public consultation No.002-15 to consider the proposed amendment to the Commercial Rules for the Wholesale Electricity Market Panama, approved by Resolution JD-605, as amended, the full text of which is in ANNEX A to this Resolution. "
The Costa Rica Institute of Electricity (ICE) published new regulations on how they will decide on purchases and contracts from the entity or its subsidiaries.
So the rules will also apply to the Radiográfica Costarricense (Racsa) company and to the Compañía Nacional de Fuerza y Luz (CNFL) company.
According to the document, a Corporate Procurement Board will be created to resolve all procedures and process for any type of purchase.