Bolivia has begun a new phase in its energy strategy with the launch of the Useful Energy Balance (BEU). This project aims not only to quantify national consumption but also to evaluate the amount of energy actually used by households, industries, businesses, and transportation. The initiative is supported by the Ministry of Hydrocarbons and Energy, the Latin American Energy Organization (OLACDE), the European Union's Euroclima program, and the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID).
Unlike the traditional energy balance—which only measures overall supply and consumption—the Energy Usage Balance (EUB) analyzes what proportion of energy is converted into end-use services such as lighting, heating, cooling, and transportation. This approach marks a milestone in national planning: it is not enough to know how much is consumed, but rather how and with what efficiency it is used. By revealing losses and technological gaps, the information gathered will serve as a basis for designing public policies on energy efficiency, economic diversification, emissions reduction, and energy security.
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The BEU will allow for the precise identification of sectors with the greatest potential for optimization, facilitating the prioritization of investments and the adoption of new technologies. Furthermore, the project integrates criteria of sustainability, territorial equity, and a gender perspective to fairly reflect the diverse conditions of energy access and use across Bolivia.
The inaugural workshop was held at the facilities of Yacimientos Petrolíferos Fiscales Bolivianos (YPFB) in La Paz. Participants included Jorge Luis Gumucio, Vice Minister of Planning and Energy Development; Andrés Rebolledo, Executive Secretary of OLADE; as well as representatives from the public and private sectors, academia, and cooperating organizations. During the workshop, the methodology, implementation schedule, and information requirements for the study were defined.
With the development of the Useful Energy Balance, Bolivia is making firm progress towards a more competitive and sustainable energy system, ensuring that data on real efficiency guide the country's strategic decisions and investments.