José Tomás Pinto
Business administrator · Energía Futura
Articles by José Tomás Pinto
What to do during a power outage: ideas for a night without electricity
What to do during a power outage: how to keep fridge food safe, what to have on hand, how to report it and games for a night without electricity.
Chile's lithium exports nearly triple to USD 4.745 billion between January and September 2026
Chile exported USD 4.745 billion of lithium from January to September 2026, almost three times as much as a year earlier and 98% more than in all of 2025. Carbonate, sulphate and hydroxide, destinations and context.
Chile has 12,188 MW of projects waiting to connect to the grid, and BESS batteries make up 62%, according to the grid operator
Chile's grid operator reported 320 projects in the connection process, with more than 12,188 MW. BESS battery systems account for 7,561 MW, concentrated in Antofagasta. Figures by technology and region.
Competition in Chile's power sector: the FNE seeks changes to how real estate projects connect, and the grid operator proposes tender rules
Chile's antitrust prosecutor asked the competition court to change the distribution technical standard for connecting real estate projects. The grid operator proposes 8 safeguards so related companies can bid in expansion tenders.
Electric water heater: how much electricity it uses, what it costs per month in Chile and what size to choose
An 80-litre electric water heater uses about 4.5 kWh to heat a full tank. For a family of four, that is close to CLP 75,000 a month. Consumption by size, prices in Chile and how to save.
Pellet stove: how much heating costs in Chile, the price of a bag and which one to choose
With a 15 kg bag at CLP 4,850 to 5,690, heat from a pellet stove costs about CLP 81 to 95 per kWh, less than half the cost of an electric heater. Stove prices, hourly use and subsidies.
Energy-efficient clothes dryer: what it costs per cycle in Chile and which to choose (heat pump, condenser or vented)
A heat pump dryer uses less than half the energy of a resistance dryer: about CLP 340 per cycle versus CLP 700. Consumption by type, prices in Chile and how many years it takes to pay back the difference.
Lithium reserves in the world: 2026 ranking by country and where Chile stands
Chile has the world's largest lithium reserves: 9.2 million tonnes, 25% of the total, according to USGS 2026. Ranking of reserves, production, resources and how many years they would last.
Chile's electricity bills would fall 4.3% from January 2027, according to preliminary figures: the cut in each region and where bills rise
The CNE's preliminary report projects an average 4.3% drop in Chilean electricity bills from January 2027, with 11% in Antofagasta and 4% in Santiago. Three regions rise. Table by region.
Chile's Supreme Court upholds the ruling against Enel over the 2021 power outages: who gets compensation and how it is calculated
Chile's Supreme Court rejected Enel's appeal, making final the ruling over the January and February 2021 power outages that affected more than 127,000 customers. How compensation is calculated.
Grenergy closes US$457 million for Algarrobal and Palmas: 446 MW of solar and 1.8 GWh of batteries in Chile
Grenergy closed its largest financing: US$457 million for 446 MW of solar and 1.8 GWh of storage in Chile. Algarrobal, the fifth phase of Oasis de Atacama, adds 242 MW and 1.5 GWh.
Solar energy in Chile in figures: installed capacity, generation and the largest solar parks
Chile has between 12,184 MW (CNE, May 2026) and 13,556 MW (Coordinator, June 2026) of solar capacity, a third of its power mix. The largest solar parks, generation and what comes next.
How much electricity a house uses in Chile per month: average kWh and what you pay
A house in Chile uses about 180 kWh a month, the consumption the CNE uses as its typical household. That equals about 250 watts around the clock and about CLP 47,000 on the bill. Tables by usage and appliance.
How much electricity a refrigerator uses in watts and what it costs per month
A refrigerator uses between 25 and 60 kWh a month depending on size and efficiency, between CLP 6,400 and CLP 15,300 with kWh at CLP 255. How many watts it uses, how to read the label and how to cut the cost.
Low-consumption electric heaters: how much they cost to run and which one to choose
A 1,500 W electric heater costs about CLP 383 an hour with kWh at CLP 255. Why there is no low-consumption resistance heater, how much each type costs and what works best.
Power outages from Chile's storm: how many customers lost power, how to file a claim and what compensation exists
The storm left more than 60,000 customers without power in Chile on October 13. How to file a claim with the SEC, what compensation the law sets and what utilities paid in July.
Chile's CNE approves 2026 urgent transmission works, including a 200 MW battery at Tineo
The CNE approved two urgent works worth US$77 million: a 200 MW / 400 MWh battery at the Tineo substation and a line upgrade in La Araucanía. What they are and why they matter.
Chile surpasses 3,000 MW of battery storage, and October is one of the busiest months for new projects
Battery storage almost doubled in Chile in 2026: 3,116 MW operating as of August, according to ACERA, and a pipeline close to 40 GW. Figures and what they mean.
Home solar kit in Chile: what it includes, how much it costs and how to choose one
A 3,000 W solar kit costs between CLP 990,000 and CLP 2,735,000 in Chile depending on the batteries. What it includes, on-grid vs. off-grid vs. hybrid, and how to size it.
Electricity price per kWh in Chile 2026: how much it costs by city and utility
Residential electricity costs between CLP 241 and CLP 286 per kWh in cities served by CGE since October 1, 2026. Table by city, bill charges and what you pay for 150 or 200 kWh.
How much electricity an air conditioner uses and what it costs in Chile
A 12,000 BTU air conditioner draws about 1.1 kW: around CLP 280 per hour at full power. Table by size, monthly cost and how to spend less.
Emergency solar kit: what it is and which one to choose for a power outage
A 500 to 900 Wh portable power station costs between CLP 419,990 and CLP 639,200 in Chile. How many hours it runs a router, phones or a fridge, and how to choose one.