CRE Optimizes Electrical Service at Damaged Barrio Lindo Market

The Rural Electrification Cooperative (CRE) is nearing the completion of its work to restore electrical service to the Nueva Feria Barrio Lindo market, which suffered extensive damage from a fire on August 7. Since the day after the blaze, which destroyed over half of the market's infrastructure, CRE has been engaged in both corrective and preventive maintenance on the affected power grid.

On Thursday, August 13, a delegation from CRE, led by Commercial Management Manager Henry Vaca Vargas, inspected the ongoing repairs to the medium and high-voltage structures. The visit also included a coordination meeting with the Autonomous Municipal Government of Santa Cruz de la Sierra's Public Lighting Unit and the leadership of the Nueva Feria Barrio Lindo Merchants Federation.

CRE has stated that its operations, which encompass the electrical network, poles, and transformers, will be finalized shortly. The cooperative emphasized that its responsibilities are being met efficiently, reliably, and safely, in accordance with Bolivia's "Regulation of Public Electricity Supply Service" from the "Electricity Law No. 1604." This ensures that the core infrastructure is functional and compliant.

However, the cooperative clarified that, according to Article 25 of the regulation, merchants are solely responsible for any damages to internal installations, equipment, and appliances resulting from deficiencies within their own premises. Therefore, the affected traders must undertake the task of rehabilitating their internal electrical systems. CRE has offered its advisory services to assist merchants in adapting their internal electrical systems to comply with current Bolivian regulations, specifically technical regulation NB-777, which outlines design, safety, and operational requirements.