22/07/2026 21:44 - Politica
By signing an agreement in El Bolsón, the Argentine provinces of Chubut and Río Negro have left behind a judicial dispute spanning more than 25 years, transforming a massive financial debt into key infrastructure for regional development.
The dispute dates back to 1991, when both provinces and the state-owned Gas del Estado signed an agreement for the construction of the Cordillerano Gas Pipeline, specifically the Pilcaniyeu-Esquel section. According to provincial reports, Río Negro failed to pay its 50% share of the materials. This forced Chubut to cover the total cost, leading to a lawsuit that eventually reached the Supreme Court of Justice of Argentina.
The Debt Recognition, Strategic Work Compensation, and Payment Plan Agreement establishes that Río Negro will pay Chubut a total of $27,463,744,434.59 Argentine pesos. From this amount, $17,361,583,342.49 Argentine pesos will be directly allocated to the electrical interconnection project, while the remaining balance of $10,102,161,092.10 Argentine pesos will be canceled through a structured payment plan.
The project involves a 33 kV double-circuit underground line connecting the El Coihue (Chubut) and Golondrinas (Río Negro) transformer stations, spanning 26 kilometers. Additionally, the Golondrinas Transformer Station will be expanded, and a new Cerro Perito Moreno Transformer Station (33/13.2 kV - 10 MVA) will be built.
"Until a few years ago, Lago Puelo was known as the 'national capital of power outages'. This project completes a scheme that will allow the entire Andean Region to leave behind a suffering of so many years"
Governor Alberto Weretilneck highlighted that "beyond the geographical boundaries of both provinces, we are all Patagonians". The project will improve the quality of life in localities such as El Bolsón, El Hoyo, Lago Puelo, Epuyén, Cholila, El Maitén, and Esquel. Authorities anticipate that construction work will begin within the next 15 days.
The comprehensive investment plan, combined with other strategic initiatives such as connecting the Cordillerano Gas Pipeline with the San Martín Gas Pipeline, exceeds $30,000 million Argentine pesos. This joint effort has already allowed more than 12,000 families to access natural gas service for the first time, directly benefiting the local hotel industry, gastronomy, and the broader economy.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
