Honduras' ENEE faces 26 billion‑lempira debt to power generators

The state-owned utility Empresa Nacional de Energía Eléctrica (ENEE) in Honduras has accumulated a debt of about 26 billion lempiras (roughly US$1 billion) owed to private power generators. The debt, which includes obligations inherited from previous administrations of more than 16 billion lempiras, continues to grow as monthly invoices are added.

Generators warn that the soaring debt, combined with higher operational costs, threatens cash flow and the reliability of electricity supply, especially during the current summer peak. International geopolitical tensions have pushed the cost of fuel‑transport ships from around $8 million to $18 million, further straining ENEE’s finances. Renewable sources already supply about 60 % of the country’s electricity, but those firms also face cash‑flow pressures.

Representatives of the Honduran Association of Electric Power Producers (AHPEE), led by vice‑president Karla Martínez, met with President Nasry Asfura, ENEE officials, the Ministry of Finance and Cohep representatives at the presidential palace. The discussion focused on an urgent cash infusion—estimated at roughly 4 billion lempiras—to buy fuel and keep the grid operating through the hottest months and avoid blackouts.