Skip to Main Content
HBS Home
  • About
  • Academic Programs
  • Alumni
  • Faculty & Research
  • Baker Library
  • Giving
  • Harvard Business Review
  • Initiatives
  • News
  • Recruit
  • Map / Directions
Faculty & Research
  • Faculty
  • Research
  • Featured Topics
  • Academic Units
  • …→
  • Harvard Business School→
  • Faculty & Research→
Publications
Publications
  • November 2012 (Revised April 2013)
  • Case
  • HBS Case Collection

Colbún and the Future of Chile's Power

By: Forest Reinhardt and Shon R. Hiatt
  • Format:Print
  • | Language:English
  • | Pages:20
ShareBar

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 pressure from collective activists, force Colbún to revise its business strategy and its sourcing mix. The case also deals with the pros and cons of various energy sources in view of their perceived environmental impact. 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 operations of Colbún to illustrate the complexities associated with conducting business under the influence of global energy markets, political uncertainty, and environmental activism.

Keywords

Energy; Chile; Environmental Protection; Energy Generation; Energy Industry; South America; Chile

Citation

Reinhardt, Forest, and Shon R. Hiatt. "Colbún and the Future of Chile's Power ." Harvard Business School Case 713-047, November 2012. (Revised April 2013.)
  • Educators
  • Purchase

About The Author

Forest L. Reinhardt

Business, Government and the International Economy
→More Publications

Related Work

    • March 2013
    • Faculty Research

    Colbún and the Future of Chile's Power (TN)

    By: Forest L. Reinhardt and Shon R. Hiatt
    • 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 and the Future of Chile's Power (TN) By: Forest L. Reinhardt and Shon R. Hiatt
  • Colbún and the Future of Chile's Power By: Forest Reinhardt and Shon R. Hiatt
ǁ
Campus Map
Harvard Business School
Soldiers Field
Boston, MA 02163
→Map & Directions
→More Contact Information
  • Make a Gift
  • Site Map
  • Jobs
  • Harvard University
  • Trademarks
  • Policies
  • Accessibility
  • Digital Accessibility
Copyright © President & Fellows of Harvard College