UF/Nicaragua Gov. Reach Deal

Submitted by fyl on 30 May, 2008 - 09:30.
An AP article published in Forbes says Union Finosa and the Nicaraguan government finally have a deal. The government gets 16% ownership in UF and a seat on their board. UF agrees to invest $32 million in grid improvements over the next three years. In return, UF's debt it forgiven and the government will propose a low for stiffer punishment for stealing electricity.
The arrangement would end a months-long dispute in which the government accused the company of breaching its concession agreement by failing to invest enough to improve infrastructure in the energy-starved country.
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Power at the Geek Ranch

Submitted by 1st Capt. Ron on 30 May, 2008 - 10:17.

FYL--Do you think anything will happen quick enough to help you at the Ranch?

1st Capt. Ron (Title by Miskito Alan)

Nope

Submitted by fyl on 30 May, 2008 - 10:33.

Power was "promised" to the other property I have by January 2007. There are a reasonable number of families there (maybe 20) without power and power is close. Still nothing.

My assumption is the priority for the $32 million would just be improvements to the main parts of the grid--for example, connecting Estelí to other population centers. There is no redundancy and existing lines are running at or beyond design capacity already.

I actually am ok with private investment required to extend the grid. The problem is that we are being expected to pay for much more capacity then we could ever use. Others (who will benefit from it) are not required to contribute anything. (But they are anxiously waiting.)

Is there a realistic middle ground? I think so. In our case, for example, much of what we need to put in is on a public road. How about we pay for that which is not on the public road and then "invest" in the rest meaning we get credits on our power bills up to the cost of the public infrastructure we paid for?

Where is your collectivist spirit?

Submitted by bluewater on 31 May, 2008 - 08:05.

Your neighbors can not afford the system. You have the ability to pay for the installation. Why should you complain about the use of your hard earned private capital to benefit others? Looks to me like a classic case of 21st century socialism in action. You should feel privileged to allow your personal capital to benefit others who will contribute absolutely nothing.

If you are really lucky the same people who did not contribute to the project will tie into the grid illegally and electrical service to your project will be rationed by Union Fenosa for lack of payment, like the illegal barrios in Managua!

Aw come on bluewater

Submitted by nicareal on 31 May, 2008 - 09:11.

that could never happen.

Could it?

It happens every day

Submitted by bluewater on 31 May, 2008 - 17:16.

Ask the merchants in the Mercado Oriental. large payment delinquencies and illegal hookups mean you are the first to be cut or rationed. I have no idea what the UF rural policy is with illegals but in the city they are the first cut.

I was

Submitted by nicareal on 31 May, 2008 - 17:29.

being sarcastic.

I Know

Submitted by bluewater on 31 May, 2008 - 17:59.

I just could not hold back. Sometimes I feel we write to two groups, those that live here and those who do not. If you live here you know that arbitrary and irrational actions are the pretty much the norm. Those who have not experienced the infamous Nicaraguan cork sinking and lead floating phenomena in live action just dont grasp the Alice in Wonderland world we live in.