How much do people spend on energy in Guatemala?

In the urban area around Guatemala City, households spend on average 10–15% of monthly income on energy expenses (including electricity, kerosene, propane, coal, batteries, firewood, and candles). Only in a select few municipalities near Guatemala City center is the Energy Poverty Indicator below 10%.

Is electricity demand price inelastic for existing electricity consumers in Guatemala?

We assume electricity demand is price inelastic for existing electricity consumers in Guatemala – that is, consumers do not decrease electricity consumption when electricity prices increase.

How many geothermal plants are there in Guatemala?

In fact, since 1999, only two geothermal plants have been built in Guatemala (with total capacity around 50 MW) despite an estimated 1000 MW of economically-viable potential in the country (Incyt, 2018; MEM, 2013). 3.4. Energy poverty analysis

What impact will energy stress have on Guatemala's economy?

More importantly, we find that the distribution of impacts will not be equal everywhere: households in the western, rural part of Guatemala that are already energy stressed will likely experience the greatest cost burdens because natural resource availability is low while overall poverty is already high.

Are renewables cheaper in Guatemala than fossil fuels?

Thus, it is possible that if coal costs are at the higher end of the Lazard (2017) distribution, and renewable technology costs are close to regional default values, renewables would be cheaper on average in Guatemala than fossil fuels (Fig. C2).

Are small hydropower plants cost-competitive in Guatemala?

Small hydropower plants are also not cost-competitive in this region because hydraulic head is low. However, across the southern part of Guatemala, a mix of off-grid solar, small hydropower, and diesel generators make up the least-cost portfolio.