AES: A History in Latin America
In 1993, AES entered the Latin American market through its acquisition of Argentina's CTSN power plant. AES has extended their power services through both urban and rural communities in Latin America. AES Eletropaulo, in particular, currently services over 5 million Brazilian customers, and is the largest electric utility in the area.
AES delivers energy to Chile, El Salvador, and Argentina, and other Latin American countries, dominating the market in those areas and providing power to significant percentiles of the population. The Dominican Republic and Panama are also serviced by AES, as AES works to meet the growing demands of Latin America.
AES: Dominican Republic
AES provides power to the Dominican Republic as the largest private power generator in the country. The AES Andres plant was launched in 2003, resulting in the introduction of natural gas as an energy source in the Dominican Republic. The two plants of AES Andres and AES Los Mina produce about 30% of the Dominican Republic's entire power generation capability.
AES's Dominican Republic utility serves over 330,000 customers, and employs over 1,400 individuals. Since 1997, AES has built seven energy generation plants. In addition to delivering reliable power to the country, AES has been responsible for the construction and renovation of schools, facilitated the sustainability of waste management and clean water programs, and have provided necessary aid in the face of natural disasters in the Dominican Republic.
AES: Argentina
Argentina welcomed privatization of its power sector in 1991, and since 1993 AES has served as a major player in the energy industry in Argentina. Today, AES has brought Argentina power plants in the sectors of gas, coal, oil, and hydro power, along with three separate electric utilities. AES is one of Argentina's largest private power providers, accounting for a full 12% of the total power generation capacity in Argentina. AES' three utilities serve a total of 750,000 customers in Argentina.
AES: Chile
In addition to providing power generation services to Chile since 2000, AES Gener has taken great steps in furthering educational opportunities in Chile. Through corporate and subsidiary sponsorships, along with personal participation in many of the programs promoted by AES Gener, educational programs in Chile have benefited extensively. Programs that AES Gener has supported, designed, and sponsored include the Friends of Science Program, the Friends of Nature Program, and the Dual Education Program in Ventanas.
AES: Colombia
AES Chivor is the AES-owned and operated energy-production company in Colombia, and is responsible for 8% of Colombia's total power capacity. Along with its position as the fourth largest power generator in all of Colombia, AES Chivor created the "Support to Children with Special Educational Needs," which helps children and families renew their own hope for the futures of children with disabilities.
AES: El Salvador
Over 900 AES employees work in El Salvador at AES El Salvador's four utilities. These four utilities serve over 80% of El Salvador's electric power sector. AES El Salvador, progressively planning beyond mere distribution of energy throughout El Salvador, plans to begin construction of its first power generation plant, which would provide sustainable power for local AES-owned distribution companies.
In El Salvador, electrical energy helps improve the overall economic growth rate of the country, along with facilitating and helping rural economies improve mercantile cooperation and communication. Additionally, AES El Salvador's participation in La Fundación Empresarial para la Acción Social (FUNDEMAS: the Entrepreneurial Foundation for Social Action, in English) has earned the distribution company recognition for its distinction as a local and corporate partner in local efforts to promote social responsibility and proactive effort.
AES: Panama
Since 1999, AES Panama has expanded from a newcomer to the newly-deprivatized power sector in Panama to the largest generator of power in the country. Over 100 AES employees work in Panama, and AES Panama boasts four hydroelectric plants. Changuinola 75, whose construction began in 2006, is a hydroelectric power plant expected to greatly increase AES Panama's generation capacity.
AES' corporate tradition of community involvement is well-represented within the framework of AES Panama. The Emberá-Wounaan Legends and Traditions Story Project is a creation of AES Panama, dedicated to preserving the stories and cultural anthology of the Emberá-Wounaan. This unique project is necessary in the effort to preserve indigenous cultures and living stories.