How much does electricity cost in Chile?

In June 2023, Chile’s household electricity price was just above the average residential electricity price of Latin American countries at 0.19 U.S. dollars per kilowatt-hour. Chile’s residential electricity price was nearly double that of Mexico and over four times the price reported in Argentina in the same period.

Why is Chile pursuing energy storage in Antofagasta?

Chilean president Gabriel Boric (centre) at the inauguration of an energy storage plant in the northern region of Antofagasta in April 2024. Chile has strong conditions for wind and solar energy, and is pursuing storage to help overcome intermittent supply (Image: Ximena Navarro / Dirección de Prensa, Presidencia de la República de Chile)

How much electricity does Chile generate per kilowatt-hour?

The highest figure since the beginning of 2020 was 106.5 Chilean pesos per kilowatt-hour, recorded in April 2023. In 2022, coal accounted for 23 percent of Chile’s gross electricity generation, while natural gas contributed another 19 percent.

Where are Chile's battery energy storage facilities located?

Chile’s first battery energy storage projects were commissioned in 2009, and all but two of its 16 administrative regions have facilities in operation, under construction or in the planning stage. The greatest installed capacity is found in the northern regions of Antofagasta and Tarapacá, the country’s solar powerhouses.

How much does a battery cost in Chile?

In fact, batteries charged at nearly $0/MWh during the day in the sunny, northern desert regions of Chile, sell energy at night for over $100/MWh. Although projects such as Engie’s BESS Coya are already enjoying these large spreads, this capacity payment will partially de-risk Chile’s dependence on volatile, but still profitable, merchant revenues.

Do you need a subscription to access Chile's electricity market?

A paid subscription is required for full access. Chile’s electricity market price has been on an overall increasing trend recently, reaching 103.5 Chilean pesos per kilowatt-hour in May 2024 (based on a four-month average ending in this month).