PANAMA INPUT FOR ENERGY REPORTS TO CONGRESS

UNCLAS PANAMA 000245

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

FOR STATE WHA/CEN - TELLO
FOR STATE EEB/ESC/IEC - B. GLENN GRIFFIN

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ABUD APER ENRG SENV
SUBJECT: PANAMA INPUT FOR ENERGY REPORTS TO CONGRESS

REF: SECSTATE 10743


1. (U) The Economics Section handles energy related matters
concerning Panama. The Economics Section has three FSOs (one
economics counselor and two junior officers) and two FSNs.


2. (U) Energy related matters are covered by one FSO (junior
officer) and one FSN. Each spend 10% of their time on energy
related matters.


3. (U) The FSO and FSN report on energy supply needs of
Panama. Specifically, the state of the hydroelectric and
thermal electrical energy generators located in Panama. They
maintain contact with executives from private sector energy
generators and distributors. They also maintain contact with
oil companies seeking to do refining work in Panama
Approximately, two-thirds of Panama's energy needs are met by
hydroelectric and thermal energy generators; the rest comes
from imported oil. The GOP has no Energy Ministry. There is
a Secretary of Energy who coordinates energy issues among
various GOP ministries but has a small staff, almost no
budget, and no rule making authority.


4. (U) Post spent no funds in FY 2007 on energy related
matters. The FY 2007 pro-rata salary expense of the FSO and
FSN working on energy related matters is approximately
$11,000.
EATON