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  • June 2009 (Revised December 2011)
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Colbún—Powering Chile

By: Forest L. Reinhardt, Gustavo A. Herrero and Sanjay Patnaik
  • Format:Print
  • | Language:English
  • | Pages:26
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Abstract

This case is about Colbún, Chile's second largest electricity generator, which is facing significant uncertainty regarding the cost and availability of alternative energy sources. Problems with the contracted supply of natural gas and the volatility of oil prices, coupled with regulatory changes made by the government, force Colbún to revise its business strategy and its sourcing mix. New legislation will replace historically regulated electricity prices for certain customers with free market prices and therefore change the conditions under which the company must operate. The case also deals with the pros and cons of various energy sources in view of their perceived environmental impact. As the company's CEO, Bernardo Larrain Matte has to take all these different considerations into account when planning Colbún's future, especially in the light of new opportunities and challenges posed by global climate change. The case analyzes the Chilean electricity sector and the operations of Colbún to illustrate the complexities associated with conducting business under the influence of global energy markets, government regulations, and environmental activism.

Keywords

Non-Renewable Energy; Globalized Markets and Industries; Governing Rules, Regulations, and Reforms; Government Legislation; Organizational Change and Adaptation; Business and Government Relations; Climate Change; Business Strategy; Energy Industry; Chile

Citation

Reinhardt, Forest L., Gustavo A. Herrero, and Sanjay Patnaik. "Colbún—Powering Chile." Harvard Business School Case 709-060, June 2009. (Revised December 2011.)
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About The Author

Forest L. Reinhardt

Business, Government and the International Economy
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Related Work

    • June 2009 (Revised December 2011)
    • Faculty Research

    Colbún—Powering Chile

    By: Forest L. Reinhardt, Gustavo A. Herrero and Sanjay Patnaik
    • November 2012 (Revised April 2013)
    • Faculty Research

    Colbún and the Future of Chile's Power

    By: Forest Reinhardt and Shon R. Hiatt
Related Work
  • Colbún—Powering Chile By: Forest L. Reinhardt, Gustavo A. Herrero and Sanjay Patnaik
  • Colbún and the Future of Chile's Power By: Forest Reinhardt and Shon R. Hiatt
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