Power and natural gas integration in the southern cone - past, present and future

Power and natural gas integration in the southern cone has begun several years ago, and took a very important part in the development of hydro and fuel resources. Regional integration is not just one more option; it is an obligation that must be undertaken in order to reduce social and environmental costs in the region. For this purpose, commitments at the highest level and stable national and international policies are required, in order to promote investment and efficient operation by adequately distributing the roles between the public and private sectors. In this paper a revision is done of key technical, commercial and regulatory issues needed to improve regional markets development in the southern cone of America.