José Tomás Pinto
Business administrator · Energía Futura
Articles by José Tomás Pinto
Batteries in Chile: grid operator scheduling may be limiting their revenue, and DS 32 gives until 2029 to change it
An analysis by consultancy Vinken warns that batteries in Chile discharge on a schedule that does not adapt in time: on 12 and 13 October the real price in their discharge hours was US$2.8/MWh versus US$41/MWh expected. Supreme Decree 32 sets 24- and 36-month deadlines for new rules.
Enel brings forward its summer plan for extreme heat: it will prune 22,000 trees and inspect 510 km of grid in Santiago
Enel Distribución brought forward its summer plan in Chile ahead of forecasts of extreme heat and wildfires: 510 km of lines inspected with LiDAR, thermal imaging and drones, 22,000 trees pruned by 30 November and 100 remote-control devices. The government launched its 2026-2027 wildfire plan.
Air purifier: how much electricity it uses, running cost in Chilean pesos and which to choose (HEPA and CADR)
A 27 to 33 W air purifier costs between CLP 1,650 and 2,000 a month if it runs 8 hours a day, with power at CLP 255.27 per kWh. How much it uses, what CADR each room needs, why the HEPA filter is key and when it makes sense in Chile because of smog and wildfire smoke.
Chile power outages: thunderstorm and tornado leave over 112,000 customers without electricity in Maule and O'Higgins
A lightning strike on a substation in Talca and an EF2 tornado in Requínoa left more than 112,000 customers without power on Monday, October 26, according to the SEC's hourly record. What happened, how many are still affected and how to file a claim.
Chile has 32 battery projects under construction and could reach its 6,000 MW storage goal in early 2027
Chile's Ministry of Energy counts 32 battery projects under construction, with 3,702 MW, 15,398 MWh and US$3.172 billion: more investment than all power plants being built. With 3,123 MW operating and 3,459 MW in testing, the 6,000 MW goal would be met in early 2027.
Hot and cold water dispenser: how much electricity it uses, running cost in Chilean pesos and which to choose
A hot and cold water dispenser with a compressor costs between CLP 6,900 and 9,200 a month with electricity at CLP 255.27 per kWh; a thermoelectric one can cost more than twice as much just for cooling. How much each type uses, what it costs in Chilean pesos and which one suits a home or office.
Freezer: how much electricity it uses, running cost in Chilean pesos and which to choose, chest or upright
A 100-liter freezer costs about CLP 3,600 a month and a 290-liter one about CLP 6,100, with electricity at CLP 255.27 per kWh, according to the label consumption of models sold in Chile. How much each size uses, chest or upright, Chile's new efficiency label and which one to choose.
Mini fridge: how much electricity it uses, running cost in Chilean pesos and which to choose
A 90-liter mini fridge lists between 9 and 10 kWh a month, about CLP 2,300 to 2,500 with electricity at CLP 255.27 per kWh, or close to CLP 30,000 a year. How much it uses according to its label, why it uses more per liter than a refrigerator, direct cooling or thermoelectric, and which one to choose.
The largest solar thermal power plant in the world 2026: ranking of the biggest concentrated solar power (CSP) plants
The largest solar thermal power plant in the world is Noor Energy 1, in Dubai: 700 MW of concentrated solar power, a 263-metre tower and 5,907 MWh of thermal storage. Ranking of the biggest CSP plants, what is happening at Ivanpah and where Chile's Cerro Dominador stands.
Chile's light pollution standard takes full effect nationwide: what changes for lighting, signs and streetlights
Chile's light pollution standard (Supreme Decree 1/2022 of the Environment Ministry) took full effect nationwide on October 19, 2026, and the SMA notified regulated parties. Warm light up to 3,000 K, signs off from midnight and deadlines for existing fixtures.
Verano Energy secures US$187 million for Observatorio: 123 MWp of solar and a 600 MWh battery in Chile
Verano Energy closed US$187 million in green loans, coordinated by MUFG with support from Scotiabank, to build Observatorio in Marchigüe, O'Higgins: 123 MWp of solar and a Sungrow battery of about 600 MWh. It will sell its power to Copec Emoac and targets operation in 2028.
Hemera solar park in Chile's Maule region wins environmental approval: 94.6 MW and five-hour batteries
The Maule Environmental Assessment Commission approved Metlen's Hemera solar park in Río Claro and San Rafael: US$130 million, 94.6 MW, 157,680 panels and a 541.44 MWh battery system able to inject 90 MW for five hours.
Electric grill: how much electricity it uses, cost per barbecue in Chilean pesos and which to choose
A 2,000 W electric grill costs about CLP 511 per hour at full power and close to CLP 600 for a one-hour barbecue including preheating, with electricity at CLP 255.27 per kWh. Comparison with charcoal and gas, the power ratings of models sold in Chile and which one to choose.
Steam iron: how much electricity it uses, cost in Chilean pesos and which to choose (classic, garment steamer or steam generator)
A 2,200 W steam iron costs up to CLP 562 per hour, with electricity at CLP 255.27 per kWh, although the thermostat lowers actual consumption. Monthly ironing cost in Chilean pesos, differences between a classic iron, a garment steamer and a steam generator, and which to choose.
Inflatable hot tub: how much electricity it uses, heating cost in Chilean pesos and which to choose
An inflatable hot tub has a heater of about 2,000 W, and heating 800 liters of water from 15 °C to 38 °C costs CLP 5,500 to 7,900, with electricity at CLP 255.27 per kWh. Keeping it warm all month with the lid on can exceed CLP 90,000. Running costs, when to drain it and which model to choose.
Chile’s electricity marginal cost falls to US$3.4 per MWh, its lowest since 2002, and curtailment reaches 25.5%
In the week of 12 to 18 October 2026, the average marginal cost at Polpaico was US$3.4/MWh, the lowest since June 2002, according to DNV. There were 74 hours at zero cost, and 25.5% of the available solar and wind generation was lost.
Gas heater in Chile: cost in Chilean pesos, how long a gas cylinder lasts and which to choose
A portable gas heater burns 150 to 300 grams of LPG per hour: about CLP 300 to 600 per hour with a 15 kg cylinder at CLP 30,250 (Lipigas, Santiago). A 15 kg cylinder lasts 50 to 100 hours. Prices by region from Chile's official Gas en Línea platform, heater types and safety.
Gas water heater (calefont) in Chile: what size to choose, gas cost per shower and which type is best
A 10-litre gas water heater, known in Chile as a calefont, heats 10 litres of water per minute and uses about CLP 370 of LPG per 8-minute shower, less than an electric tank heater (CLP 532). How to choose between 5, 7, 10 and 13 litres, natural or forced draught, and what the SEC requires.
Water pump: how much electricity it uses, cost in Chilean pesos and which to choose
A 1 HP water pump draws about 0.75 kW and costs close to CLP 190 per hour of operation, with electricity at CLP 255.27 per kWh. Monthly cost in Chilean pesos by use, differences between peripheral, centrifugal, submersible and booster pumps, and when a solar pump makes sense.
Chile electricity peak hours: food industry asks to shorten them and government reviews the charge for 2027
Chile's food industry asked the Energy Minister to shorten the electricity peak-hours period, which raises costs for companies from April to September between 18:00 and 22:00. September was already removed in 2026 and the CNE is reviewing the mechanism.
Batteries now supply 5.1% of Chile's electricity and overtake four renewable technologies
Battery systems injected 5.1% of the power system's energy between January and September 2026 and 7.9% in September, more than biomass, geothermal and small hydro plants, according to ACERA.
Coffee maker: how much electricity it uses, cost in Chilean pesos and which is best (pod, drip or espresso)
A pod coffee machine uses about CLP 5 to 8 of electricity per cup and a drip machine about CLP 35 per jug, with electricity at CLP 255.27 per kWh. What weighs most is leaving it on: the warming plate and the boiler. Tables by type and tips.
TV: how much electricity it uses, cost in Chilean pesos by screen size and standby
A 55-inch LED TV draws about 63 to 84 W and costs between CLP 1,930 and 2,570 a month watched 4 hours a day, with electricity at CLP 255.27 per kWh. HDR can double consumption. Table by screen size, OLED and standby.
Electric cooktop: how much electricity it uses, cost in Chilean pesos and whether it beats gas
Boiling a litre of water costs about CLP 30 on an induction hob, CLP 32 to 34 on a ceramic hob and about CLP 31 to 39 with bottled LPG. Consumption per zone, monthly cost in Chilean pesos and what makes sense in Chile.
Chile's antitrust regulator FNE clears takeover of AES, owner of AES Andes, by BlackRock's GIP and EQT
Chile's National Economic Prosecutor's Office cleared without conditions the purchase of AES Corporation by BlackRock's GIP and EQT, a US$33.4 billion deal. It reviewed generation, transmission, batteries and data centres in Chile.
Chile's Los Ríos: power companies to spend CLP 651 million on summer prevention plans, with SEC oversight
Saesa, Cooprel, Socoepa and Luz Osorno will spend CLP 651,941,900 on tree trimming, clearing safety strips and grid maintenance in Chile's Los Ríos Region before the hot season. The SEC regulator will check they are carried out on time.
Copec Flux and Vivo install 663 solar panels at Chillán outlet mall to generate 600 MWh a year
Copec Flux and Vivo SpA opened a 663-panel solar plant at the Vivo Outlet Chillán in Chile, which will generate about 600 MWh a year, the average consumption of 250 homes in the city, and avoid about 183 tonnes of CO2 a year.
Dishwasher: how much electricity and water it uses, cost in Chilean pesos and vs. hand washing
A 13-place dishwasher uses between 0.74 and 0.94 kWh per wash on the eco programme: between CLP 189 and CLP 240 with electricity at CLP 255.27 per kWh. Monthly cost, water use and whether it beats washing by hand.
Hair dryer: how much electricity it uses, cost in Chilean pesos and what wattage to choose
A 2,000 W hair dryer uses 0.33 kWh in 10 minutes at full power: about CLP 85 with electricity at CLP 255.27 per kWh. Monthly cost, a table by wattage from 1,600 to 2,500 W and which one to choose.
Vacuum cleaner: how much electricity it uses, cost in Chilean pesos and whether a robot is worth it
A 900 W vacuum cleaner uses 0.45 kWh in half an hour: about CLP 115 with electricity at CLP 255.27 per kWh. A robot uses about 0.1 kWh per charge. Monthly cost of each type in pesos, the EU 900 W limit and which to choose.
Chile cold front: power outages peaked at 127,643 customers and 13,681 remain without power on Wednesday
Data from Chile's power regulator SEC show that outages from the cold front peaked at 13:00 on Tuesday, October 20, with 127,643 customers without power, 80,555 of them in Coquimbo. At 09:00 on Wednesday, 13,681 remained nationwide.
Chile's energy commission opens public consultation on how homes and buildings connect to the grid
Chile's National Energy Commission (CNE) put out for public consultation a draft that amends the commercial quality chapter of the distribution technical standard, focused on the connection procedure. There are 20 calendar days to submit comments.
Promigas opens Aurora solar and storage plant in Chile and plans a US$1.06 billion Tarapacá hub
Colombia's Promigas opened the Aurora solar-plus-battery plant in Pozo Almonte, Chile: US$224 million, 221 MW of solar and 187 MW of storage for five hours. It is the first of three plants in a Tarapacá hub. It also launched its Krelo brand.
Electric oven: how much power it uses, running cost in Chile and what size to choose
A 48-litre countertop electric oven draws about 2,000 W: at full power it costs about CLP 511 an hour with electricity at CLP 255.27 per kWh. What it costs to roast a chicken or bake a cake, tables by model and size, and how to spend less.
Electric kettle: how much power it uses, what it costs to boil water in Chile and which to choose
Boiling a litre of water in an electric kettle uses about 0.11 kWh, around CLP 28 with electricity at CLP 255.27 per kWh. A cup costs about CLP 7. Monthly cost, boiling time by power rating and how it compares with a microwave.
Air fryer: how much power it uses, running cost in Chile and whether it saves compared with an oven
A 4-litre air fryer draws about 1,300 W. Frozen chips use 0.287 kWh, about CLP 73, against CLP 220 in an oven, according to Which? lab tests. Monthly cost and when it really saves.
Electricity prices in Latin America 2026: ranking by country and where Chile stands
Chile has the fourth most expensive household electricity in Latin America: US$0.262 per kWh in March 2026, behind Guatemala, El Salvador and Uruguay, according to GlobalPetrolPrices. Ranking of 17 countries for households and businesses.
Chile cold front: thunderstorm alert as regulator SEC demands contingency plans from power utilities
Chile's weather service issued thunderstorm and heavy rain alerts of up to 40 mm from Coquimbo to Maule on Tuesday 20 October. The government and the SEC asked distributors for contingency plans, and Enel increased its field crews ninefold.
Chile's Los Ríos region faces a 6.2% electricity bill rise in 2027 despite the national cut, with two wind farms stalled
While Chilean power bills are set to fall 4.3% on average from January 2027, in Los Ríos they would rise 6.2%. The regional energy secretary blames transmission congestion and the delayed Cautín-Ciruelos line. The figures and the stalled projects.
Chile's Estela Solar plant, formerly Aurora, hits 201 MW in tests and its 935 MWh battery delivers 919 MWh
Test reports published by Chile's grid operator show Promigas' Estela Solar plant in Pozo Almonte reached 201.08 MW net and that its 187 MW, 935 MWh battery delivered 919 MWh over five hours.
Dehumidifier: how much electricity it uses, running cost in Chile and which to choose
A 12-litre home dehumidifier draws about 190 W: with electricity at CLP 255.27 per kWh, that is about CLP 49 an hour and some CLP 11,600 a month running eight hours a day. What 20, 30 and 50-litre units cost, which type to choose and when it pays off.
Electric fan: how much power it uses, running cost in Chile and which to choose (pedestal, tower or ceiling)
A 45 W pedestal fan costs about CLP 11 an hour with electricity at CLP 255.27 per kWh: under CLP 2,800 a month running eight hours a day. What tower and ceiling fans use, why DC motors use half, and when a fan beats air conditioning.
Pool heat pump: how much power it uses, what heating a pool costs in Chile and what size to choose
A pool heat pump delivers about 5 kWh of heat for every kWh of electricity. For a 30 m³ pool, a unit of about 6 kW draws around 1.2 kW: about CLP 306 an hour at CLP 255.27 per kWh. What heating costs, what size to choose and how to spend less.
The largest solar power plant in the world 2026: ranking of the biggest solar parks
The world's largest solar park is Talatan in China, with about 21 GW built in phases. The largest single plant is Midong, at 3.5 GW. Ranking of the world's biggest solar parks in 2026 and where Chile stands.
The largest battery in the world 2026: ranking of the biggest energy storage systems
The largest battery system in operation belongs to the Saudi Electricity Company, at 7.8 GWh across three sites. At a single location, Khavda (India) reached 6.63 GWh. Ranking of the world's largest batteries in 2026 and where Chile stands.
New cold front in Chile: up to 75 mm of rain in Santiago and how to prepare for power outages
A new cold front brings 45 to 75 mm of rain to Santiago from Monday 19 to Thursday 22 October, with a red alert in 10 municipalities. What the previous storm did to the power grid and how to prepare.
Deloitte: Chile's power transmission cannot handle the available energy, and curtailment hit 6,205 GWh in 2025
A Deloitte report concludes that Chile's power transmission cannot carry the energy available: renewable curtailment reached 6,205 GWh in 2025, 71% solar. Batteries and the banks financing the sector.
Ceibo, a 250 MW solar park in Vallenar, wins environmental approval for US$220 million
The 250 MW Ceibo photovoltaic solar park, with batteries, won environmental approval in Vallenar, in Chile's Atacama region. A US$220 million investment, 496,800 panels and 600 workers at peak construction.
Kerosene heater in Chile: running cost in pesos, price per litre and which to choose
A 2,740 kcal/h kerosene heater burns about 0.31 litres per hour: with kerosene at CLP 1,347 per litre in Santiago, that is about CLP 418 per hour. Monthly cost, comparison with pellets and electricity, and which to buy.
Home generator: fuel consumption, running cost and what size to choose
A 1,800 W inverter generator burns about 1 litre of petrol per hour at full load: about CLP 1,630 per hour with 93-octane petrol at CLP 1,498. What size to choose, the cost per kWh and how to connect it safely.
Portable air conditioner vs. evaporative air cooler: how much each uses and which to choose
A 12,000 BTU portable air conditioner uses about 1,350 W, roughly CLP 345 per hour. An evaporative air cooler uses 50 to 75 W, under CLP 20 per hour, but cools far less. Consumption and cost compared.
Largest lithium producing countries 2026: world ranking and where Chile stands
Australia is the world's largest lithium producer, with 92,000 tonnes in 2025, followed by China (62,000) and Chile (56,000), according to the USGS. Global output grew 31%. Country ranking and reserves.
Chilean court orders Enel to cancel a 434,000-peso charge after ignoring an SEC ruling: how to dispute a high electricity bill
The San Miguel Court of Appeals ordered Enel to cancel 434,135 pesos charged to a customer in Pedro Aguirre Cerda, as the SEC had ruled. The SEC is also investigating 56,000 meters. How to dispute a high power bill in Chile.
How much electricity does a microwave use in watts and how much does it cost
A microwave with 800 W of cooking power draws 1,100 to 1,300 watts while heating. Used 15 minutes a day it uses about 9.5 kWh a month, around 2,400 Chilean pesos. Tables by use, standby and comparison with oven and kettle.
How much electricity does a washing machine use in watts and kWh per load, and how much does it cost
A washing machine uses 0.3 to 1.5 kWh per load depending on water temperature. With 14 loads a month it costs 1,200 to 5,400 Chilean pesos in electricity. Watts, real labels, front-load vs. top-load and how to save.
Countries with the most solar power 2026: world ranking by installed capacity and Chile's place
China has 1,200 GW of installed solar power, half the world's total, according to IRENA. The United States and India complete the podium and Chile ranks 19th with 12 GW. 2026 country ranking with end-2025 data.
What to do during a power outage: ideas for a night without electricity
What to do during a power outage: how to keep fridge food safe, what to have on hand, how to report it and games for a night without electricity.
Chile's lithium exports nearly triple to USD 4.745 billion between January and September 2026
Chile exported USD 4.745 billion of lithium from January to September 2026, almost three times as much as a year earlier and 98% more than in all of 2025. Carbonate, sulphate and hydroxide, destinations and context.
Chile has 12,188 MW of projects waiting to connect to the grid, and BESS batteries make up 62%, according to the grid operator
Chile's grid operator reported 320 projects in the connection process, with more than 12,188 MW. BESS battery systems account for 7,561 MW, concentrated in Antofagasta. Figures by technology and region.
Competition in Chile's power sector: the FNE seeks changes to how real estate projects connect, and the grid operator proposes tender rules
Chile's antitrust prosecutor asked the competition court to change the distribution technical standard for connecting real estate projects. The grid operator proposes 8 safeguards so related companies can bid in expansion tenders.
Electric water heater: how much electricity it uses, what it costs per month in Chile and what size to choose
An 80-litre electric water heater uses about 4.5 kWh to heat a full tank. For a family of four, that is close to CLP 75,000 a month. Consumption by size, prices in Chile and how to save.
Pellet stove: how much heating costs in Chile, the price of a bag and which one to choose
With a 15 kg bag at CLP 4,850 to 5,690, heat from a pellet stove costs about CLP 81 to 95 per kWh, less than half the cost of an electric heater. Stove prices, hourly use and subsidies.
Energy-efficient clothes dryer: what it costs per cycle in Chile and which to choose (heat pump, condenser or vented)
A heat pump dryer uses less than half the energy of a resistance dryer: about CLP 340 per cycle versus CLP 700. Consumption by type, prices in Chile and how many years it takes to pay back the difference.
Lithium reserves in the world: 2026 ranking by country and where Chile stands
Chile has the world's largest lithium reserves: 9.2 million tonnes, 25% of the total, according to USGS 2026. Ranking of reserves, production, resources and how many years they would last.
Chile's electricity bills would fall 4.3% from January 2027, according to preliminary figures: the cut in each region and where bills rise
The CNE's preliminary report projects an average 4.3% drop in Chilean electricity bills from January 2027, with 11% in Antofagasta and 4% in Santiago. Three regions rise. Table by region.
Chile's Supreme Court upholds the ruling against Enel over the 2021 power outages: who gets compensation and how it is calculated
Chile's Supreme Court rejected Enel's appeal, making final the ruling over the January and February 2021 power outages that affected more than 127,000 customers. How compensation is calculated.
Grenergy closes US$457 million for Algarrobal and Palmas: 446 MW of solar and 1.8 GWh of batteries in Chile
Grenergy closed its largest financing: US$457 million for 446 MW of solar and 1.8 GWh of storage in Chile. Algarrobal, the fifth phase of Oasis de Atacama, adds 242 MW and 1.5 GWh.
Solar energy in Chile in figures: installed capacity, generation and the largest solar parks
Chile has between 12,184 MW (CNE, May 2026) and 13,556 MW (Coordinator, June 2026) of solar capacity, a third of its power mix. The largest solar parks, generation and what comes next.
How much electricity a house uses in Chile per month: average kWh and what you pay
A house in Chile uses about 180 kWh a month, the consumption the CNE uses as its typical household. That equals about 250 watts around the clock and about CLP 47,000 on the bill. Tables by usage and appliance.
How much electricity a refrigerator uses in watts and what it costs per month
A refrigerator uses between 25 and 60 kWh a month depending on size and efficiency, between CLP 6,400 and CLP 15,300 with kWh at CLP 255. How many watts it uses, how to read the label and how to cut the cost.
Low-consumption electric heaters: how much they cost to run and which one to choose
A 1,500 W electric heater costs about CLP 383 an hour with kWh at CLP 255. Why there is no low-consumption resistance heater, how much each type costs and what works best.
Power outages from Chile's storm: how many customers lost power, how to file a claim and what compensation exists
The storm left more than 60,000 customers without power in Chile on October 13. How to file a claim with the SEC, what compensation the law sets and what utilities paid in July.
Chile's CNE approves 2026 urgent transmission works, including a 200 MW battery at Tineo
The CNE approved two urgent works worth US$77 million: a 200 MW / 400 MWh battery at the Tineo substation and a line upgrade in La Araucanía. What they are and why they matter.
Chile surpasses 3,000 MW of battery storage, and October is one of the busiest months for new projects
Battery storage almost doubled in Chile in 2026: 3,116 MW operating as of August, according to ACERA, and a pipeline close to 40 GW. Figures and what they mean.
Home solar kit in Chile: what it includes, how much it costs and how to choose one
A 3,000 W solar kit costs between CLP 990,000 and CLP 2,735,000 in Chile depending on the batteries. What it includes, on-grid vs. off-grid vs. hybrid, and how to size it.
Electricity price per kWh in Chile 2026: how much it costs by city and utility
Residential electricity costs between CLP 241 and CLP 286 per kWh in cities served by CGE since October 1, 2026. Table by city, bill charges and what you pay for 150 or 200 kWh.
How much electricity an air conditioner uses and what it costs in Chile
A 12,000 BTU air conditioner draws about 1.1 kW: around CLP 280 per hour at full power. Table by size, monthly cost and how to spend less.
Emergency solar kit: what it is and which one to choose for a power outage
A 500 to 900 Wh portable power station costs between CLP 419,990 and CLP 639,200 in Chile. How many hours it runs a router, phones or a fridge, and how to choose one.