Jorge Morales Pedraza 
Energy Power in Latin America and the Caribbean 
The current situation and the future role of conventional energy sources for the generation of electricity

The preparation of a national energy policy in which priorities and preferences are identified should be one of the main responsibilities of national authorities in charge of the energy sector. It is important that every country’s energy mix involves a range of national preferences and priorities reflected in national policies and strategies to be applied in order to satisfy the foresee increase in the electricity demand. These policies and strategies should represent a compromise between expected energy shortages, environmental quality, energy security, energy cost, public attitudes, safety and security, available skills, as well as production and service capabilities. Relevant national authorities must take all of these elements into account when formulating an energy policy and strategy.