Discussions to address electricity integration, energy security and low-carbon energy

The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the U. S. Department of State are convening a two-day meeting on June 27-28, 2013, at IDB headquarters to focus on critical next steps for expanding the regional electricity market in Mesoamerica. Discussions will focus on the means to increase interconnection, energy security, and low-carbon energy in the region.

WHO: The event will include participation of government delegations from member countries of the Central American Electrical Interconnection System, SIEPAC, plus delegations from neighboring countries of Mesoamerica. The first day of the event will include panel discussions from private-sector firms and investors.

WHEN: Press are invited to attend select portions of the event:

• Remarks from U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Wendy Sherman, on Thursday, June 27, from 11:15 to 11:45 a.m. (press should arrive no later than 11:00 a.m.)
• Closing Session on Friday, June 28 from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. (press arrival no later than 4:15 p.m.)

Media representatives interested in attending either of these sessions should pre-register by sending an e-mail to John Ferriter at johnfe@iadb.org. Attendance will be subject to availability of seating. The remainder of the meeting is closed.

WHERE: IDB headquarters, 1300 New York Avenue, NW, Andrés Bello Auditorium (9th floor). Upon arrival media representatives must present one of the following: (1) A U.S. Government-issued identification card (Department of State, White House, Congress, Department of Defense or Foreign Press Center), (2) a media-issued photo identification card, or (3) a letter from their employer on letterhead verifying their employment as a journalist, accompanied by an official photo identification card (driver’s license, passport).