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Introducing Competition into the Electricity Supply Industry in Developing Countries : Lessons from Bolivia

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2000-08
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2014-09-30
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This report summarizes the Bolivian power sector reform experience from 1993 until the end of 1999. The reform of Bolivia's electric sector is considered one of the most successful to date. Bolivia opted for both vertical and horizontal separation. Large power company generations units were capitalized; transmission grid and distribution were privatized. Since the capitalization or privatization, there has been a dramatic expansion in generation capacity, and distribution networks are also growing well. However, access to electricity remains limited. The main issues in the sector are now a) privatizing the smaller systems, and b) expanding access in the under-served rural areas. A review will be essential after a few years of implementation. The effect of power sector reform on poverty alleviation will need to be assessed at that point.
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World Bank. 2000. Introducing Competition into the Electricity Supply Industry in Developing Countries : Lessons from Bolivia. Energy Sector Management Assistance Programme (ESMAP);no. ESM 233 / 00. © http://hdl.handle.net/10986/20312 License: CC BY 3.0 IGO.
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