To enhance the northern region’s development, the Salvadoran Transmission Company (ETESAL) unveiled the Chalatenango Substation yesterday, marking a crucial milestone in the institution’s expansion plan. With a noteworthy investment exceeding $12 million, this strategic initiative aligns with President Nayib Bukele’s commitment to fostering growth in the country’s neglected northern areas.
The inauguration ceremony, attended by ETESAL President Edwin Núñez, highlighted the project’s transformative impact on the lives of 67,114 residents across the 33 municipalities of Chalatenango. Núñez emphasized the substation’s role not only in improving living conditions but also in bolstering tourism and attracting investments to the region.
«Inaugurating this substation in Chalatenango is significant. This has been one of the most overlooked areas in the country. Previous governments neglected the northern region, but President Bukele directed us to work diligently and reach places untouched before. This substation stands as proof of that commitment,» stated Núñez.
Currently, Chalatenango relies on electricity from the Cerrón Grande Substation. However, the surge in residential and commercial growth necessitated a higher quality of electrical service. The new substation boasts a transformation capacity of 50 MVA and voltage levels of 115/46 kV, coupled with a 17-kilometer transmission line at 115 kV from the Cerrón Grande Substation.
Núñez explained, «With the inauguration of this substation, we are taking a significant step in the energy landscape of Chalatenango. It involves collaborative efforts not only with the government but also with the private sector. With improved energy infrastructure, we can facilitate new users, attract more industries, hotels, restaurants, and boost tourism in Chalatenango.»
The Chalatenango Substation joins others inaugurated this year, including Talnique, Apopa, and El Volcán, along with capacitor banks in San Matías, Nuevo Cuscatlán, Talnique, and San Martín. Looking ahead to 2024, ETESAL’s President affirmed the continuation of projects aimed at preparing the country for future investments.
«There is a new expansion plan that will complete the national ring to provide energy to all regions and ensure redundancy. In other words, if there is an energy issue in one location, it can be supplemented through another transmission line,» concluded Núñez. The inauguration of the Chalatenango Substation stands as a testament to El Salvador’s commitment to equitable development and energy resilience.