Guatemala faces energy shortages as demand outpaces generation

Guatemala faces a growing risk of power outages as electricity demand outpaces local generation and transmission capacity. Jorge Álvarez, general manager of the Administrador del Mercado Mayorista (AMM), warned during the XXI Industrial Congress that the national interconnected system is increasingly strained.

Between January and July 2026, demand reached 9,057 GWh, while local generation only produced 8,319 GWh. This 738 GWh deficit, representing approximately 8% of demand, was covered through imports, primarily from Mexico and other Central American nations. Since 2020, Guatemala has transitioned from having energy surpluses to relying on imports to meet its needs.

Experts note that while the country has an installed effective capacity of 4,099 MW, actual production is subject to technological constraints, weather, and timing. The energy gap is attributed to a lack of significant new generation projects between 2020 and 2024, despite continuous growth in consumption.