CELEC Awards $59.2M Diesel Rental for 45 MW at Santa Elena
CELEC awarded the second of five thermal-generation rental contracts launched in April, advancing its short-term capacity plan ahead of Ecuador's late-2026 dry-season risk.
The contract covers 45 megawatts for the Santa Elena plant and was awarded to Comercial Laeisz Honduras S.A. for $59.2 million excluding VAT, nearly $13 million below the reference budget.
Contract Snapshot
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Buyer | Corporación Eléctrica del Ecuador (CELEC) |
| Project | Diesel engine rental for Santa Elena |
| Capacity | 45 MW |
| Award value | $59.2 million without VAT |
| Offers received | 7 |
| Recommended award date | April 29, 2026 |
| Term | 970 days |
| Scope | Startup, operation and demobilization |
CELEC shifted toward smaller rental-focused contracts after delays and problems with larger procurement attempts. The strategy is aimed at addressing the risk of low-water conditions in the final months of 2026.
Procurement Risk
Sercop intervened during the process with findings and prior observations.
On April 23, Sercop requested responses regarding alleged observations on contracting deadlines and missing information in some bids. On May 26, after CELEC responded, Sercop said its findings "atentan contra la normativa" of public procurement.
On June 8, CELEC maintained its arguments and said Sercop's claims were "desvirtuadas", arguing the process complied with the law.
The Electroguayas business unit had been waiting six weeks for the contract signature to begin the 45 MW rental process.
Vendor Background
Comercial Laeisz Honduras has gained ground in Honduras's electricity sector. The company's site says Grupo Laeisz has produced energy since 1997 and is one of Honduras's main thermal-energy providers, with concessions in the country's northern and eastern zones.
In its CELEC offer, the company listed six specific contracts with Honduras's Empresa Nacional de Energía Eléctrica (ENEE) since 2018, three of which remain active.
Energy Minister Juan Carlos Blum said Sercop investigated Comercial Laeisz "mucho" before the award.
What to watch
- Whether CELEC signs and mobilizes the contract quickly enough for late-2026 system needs.
- Whether Sercop's observations create follow-on procurement or audit risk.
- Whether the remaining four rental contracts move faster after this award.
- Whether the 45 MW Santa Elena rental materially reduces exposure during the next estiaje.
Source
Primicias — "Ecuador alquilará motores a diésel por 45 megavatios a empresa hondureña para afrontar déficit eléctrico de octubre de 2026"
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