Grupo de Energía de Bogotá holds 60% of Cálidda’s shares. GEB is one of the most important holdings in Colombia and is worth approximately 2,000 million dollars. It has presence in our country through REP, as Consorcio Transmantaro and Contugas. GEB has come to Peru to stay and it working towards the massive use of natural gas, as has happened in several cities in Colombia, such as Bogotá, Baranquilla and Cali.
As of March 2013, we have connected more than 110,206 homes and businesses, 446 industries and 192 GNV stations. Besides, more than 140,000 converted vehicles circulate in Lima using GNV. Our major goal is to provide 1'500,000.000 inhabitants in Lima and Callao with access to natural gas in Lima and Callao. To achieve this goal, we are completing the main pipeline expansion works. With this expansion, we will be able to increase our capacity from 255 mcfd to 420 mcfd. This pipeline goes through the districts of Lurín, Pachacamac, La Molina and Surco.
As of March 2013, we have connected more than 110,206 homes and businesses, 446 industries and 192 GNV stations. Besides, more than 140,000 converted vehicles circulate in Lima using GNV. Our major goal is to provide 1'500,000.000 inhabitants in Lima and Callao with access to natural gas in Lima and Callao. To achieve this goal, we are completing the main pipeline expansion works. With this expansion, we will be able to increase our capacity from 255 mcfd to 420 mcfd. This pipeline goes through the districts of Lurín, Pachacamac, La Molina and Surco.
The natural gas distribution system is very safe; the pipelines are built following the highest national and international safety standards, un under the supervision of Osinergmin. On the other hand, natural gas pipelines are monitored 24/7 by a sophisticated SCADA system, and if any problem is detected, the valves are blocked automatically to prevent gas circulation. Additionally, as part of the company Damage Prevention Plan, there is permanent coordination with the municipal governments and companies performing works in public areas, to provide information and the exact location of natural gas pipelines in order to minimize the risk of affecting them.
Finally, it is important to mention that natural gas pipelines have a seismic design and are inflammables. They are buried at depth and have a signaling ribbon that warns of their presence.
Natural gas is the safest, cleanest and most economical fuel in the world. As of March 2013, more than 100,000 residential and commercial customers connected have saved more than 70% in energy expenses. As an example, we can mention a project we have that takes natural gas to more than 70 welfare kitchens in the districts of San Juan de Lurigancho, El Agustino, San Juan de Miraflores and Villa María del Triunfo. The ladies in charge tell us that they used to spend 270 soles a month and that now they are only paying 67 soles. They also tell us that they never run out of gas and that it is very clean. Their walls do not get dirty any more, and their pots are not stained with soot, and therefore, last longer. All this prove that the use of natural gas contributes to improve the quality of life of the people.
During last year, we made an effort to reduce the cost of the fittings in half for more than 55, 000 people from less favored districts. Once the goal was achieved, with the help of the Ministry of Energy and Mining (MEM) we were able to extend this benefit to 2,000 additional families. In this way, the installation cost them 790 soles... which they can pay in up to 8 years (96 months).
We currently have residential and commercial customers in 12 districts in the city of Lima: Cercado de Lima, San Miguel, Pueblo Libre, Surco, San Juan de Lurigancho, El Agustino, Magdalena, Jesús María, Villa María del Triunfo, San Juan de Miraflores, Los Olivos and San Martín de Porres.
Cálidda focuses in the internal market. Objective is to achieve the massive use of natural gas throughout Lima and Callao. Therefore, we have no relation with such topic.