Facing significant energy demand challenges and goals to diversify their electricity mix, regulators in Nicaragua sought to expand their regulatory capabilities while at the same time exploring how to establish a regulatory framework to encourage renewable energy development. With the support of the United States Agency for International Development, NARUC engaged with the Nicaraguan Energy Institute (INE) in a partnership, utilizing expert volunteers from Texas and California.

U.S. and Nicaraguan regulators shared experiences on rate design, service quality, environmental issues and renewable energy deployment, and NARUC organized a study tour in California to explore renewable energy and energy efficiency. NARUC also facilitated training opportunities for INE staff on market monitoring and customer service.