The consumption of electricity continued its upward trend in the country and, during the first four -month period of 2025, reported an increase of 2.8% compared to the same period of the previous year, reaching 4,693.2 Gigavatios time (GWh).
Although the growth rate slowed over last year, consumption and demand are still increasing. Even the maximum power demand (maximum demand at a time of the day) has registered several historical records so far this year.
During the first four -month period, a peak was reported on April 2, when 2,135.33 megawatts (MW) were reached, 3.33% more than in the same period of 2024. In May the record was exceeded twice; The highest was recorded on May 8, with 2,204.22 MW, which represents an increase of 3.88% compared to the maximum of 2024, which was 2.121.8 MW, according to the administrator of the wholesale market (AMM).
Among the factors that influence the increase in consumption and demand are the growth of the economy – which keeps a direct relationship with energy consumption – and the high temperatures that are recorded in the country, explained Jorge Álvarez, AMM manager.
This behavior includes annual economic growth and the impulse reflected in the demand for households, in addition to the impact of heat, added Álvarez. It has been detected that, in the days with the power demand record, the temperatures have been very high, which shows a correlation with the increase in consumption, he said.
During those days, more air conditioners and fans are used both in homes and for the cooling of equipment or machinery.
In the fourth quarter of 2024, the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew 4.5%, confirming an annual growth of 3.7%, according to data from the Bank of Guatemala (Banguat). By 2025, a 4% growth is expected in the average stage. However, in April, the Banguat and the Monetary Board (JM) adjusted the projection down, due to the uncertainty generated by the commercial policy of the United States, which in April imposed world tariffs.
A recent report entitled Climate change and climbing of global extreme heatprepared by World Meteorological Attribution (WWA), the Climate Cross Center of the Red Cross and the Red Crescent and Climate Central, notes that Guatemala has experienced 12 days of extreme heat between May 1, 2024 and May 1, 2025, of which 95 are attributed to climate change.
Supply and generation
The installed capacity for the generation of electricity is 3 thousand 620.76 megawatts, and the maximum demand to May has been 2,204.22 megawatts.
However, the consumption of 4,693.4 GWH between January and April 2025 was covered with national generation and imports.
Although the country still exports electricity, its volume has decreased in recent years.
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The national generation was 4,372.7 GWh, an increase of only 0.54%compared to the same period of 2024. Of that total, 2,958 GWh came from renewable resources, with a growth of 17.9%, while the non -renewable generation was reduced by 23.1%, according to the Ministry of Energy and Mines (MEM).
However, the national generation is less than demand. Imports were 570.7 GWh, which represents a 7.8% decrease compared to 2024. Exports, on the other hand, fell 38%, from 402.8 GWh in 2024 to 249.8 GWh in 2025. Although the generation continues to grow, the country has lost leadership in exports, since other countries have installed more central or making purchases within the regional market (Mer).
No electrical emergency
Unlike 2024, when emergency was declared in the electricity sector, this year will not be adopted, Álvarez explained. This is because the winter of 2024 was more favorable than that of 2023, which allowed a better recharge of flows and reservoirs for hydroelectric plants. In addition, the country continues to rely on biomass, coal, bunker, diesel, wind and lots.
Chixoy reservoir at a low level
The Chixoy reservoir, the only hydroelectric with annual regulation, was on May 28 in 773.22 meters above sea level (MSNM), just above the minimum operational of 772 meters above sea level, according to the National Institute of Electrification (INDE).
The management of the reservoir is carried out through specialized computer programs and in coordination with the IND. The AMM reported that this level is normal for the time, since the arrival of winter is expected. Keeping it would imply an inefficient use, and lower would make the operation impossible.
So far this year, the hydroelectric generation with all plants is almost 30% above the same period of 2024, Álvarez explained.
Accessed the IND, this indicated that the minimum operation level is 772 meters above sea level and that the management of the reserve depends on the entry of water. If winter does not start soon, the reservation could last between one and two weeks, considering that water still enters the reservoir.
Álvarez added that, with the projections available, winter will be established in the first days of June, which would increase the level of the reservoir.
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Inde explained that it has a team responsible for optimizing the use of hydraulic resources for generation, considering technical, weather, hydrological, operational and maintenance variables, as well as the behavior of the electrical market. Short, medium and long term projections on the flow available to weekly determine the energy that will be provided to the interconnected national system are prepared.
In April 2025, the generation was 26-5% with biomass derived from sugarcane, 26.3% with hydroelectric plants and around 30% with coal, refer to data from the AMM page.
In May a change in the trend was already observed. According to the Association of Generators with Renewable Energies (AGER), during the week of May 25 to 31, 59.06% of the energy was generated with coal, 18.53% with hydroelectric plants, 12.67% with bunker and the rest with other sources. The biomass contribution derived from sugarcane has been reduced, which was significant during the harvest.