Mendoza lawmakers demand briefing from Energy Minister on Los Nihuiles hydroelectric concession

Members of the Justicialist Party in both chambers of the Mendoza legislature have asked Energy and Environment Minister Jimena Latorre to appear before the House of Laws to explain the provincial and national licensing process for the Los Nihuiles hydroelectric system. The opposition alleges that the concession, which would grant a private operator control for 30 years, was pursued without legislative oversight, deviated from Provincial Law 9.630 that required an integrated concession with the neighboring Diamante complex, and may compromise water, energy and royalty revenues for the province.

A similar request was filed in the San Rafael local legislature, seeking detailed information on the tender’s terms, investment commitments and transparency measures. The initiative stresses the strategic importance of Los Nihuiles for southern Mendoza, noting that the future concessionaire must invest in rehabilitating units I‑IV and modernising the facilities. Lawmakers emphasize the need for institutional control and public access to information throughout the concession process.