A New Beginning for Cimarrón: Access to Energy Transforms a Community

April 8, 2026

Cimarrón Community Receives Electricity for the First Time Through AES Panama and OER Rural Electrification Project 

The community of Cimarrón, located in the province of Colón, now has access to electricity for the first time, thanks to a rural electrification project developed by AES Panama in partnership with the Rural Electrification Office (OER), with the support of the First Lady of the Republic, Maricel Cohen de Mulino. 

This initiative directly benefited nine homes and one community center, improving the quality of life of approximately 45 residents. The project included the installation of photovoltaic systems, electrical upgrades, and a comprehensive water-access solution through the installation of a water pump and storage tank, enabling gravity-fed water distribution throughout the community. 

AES Panama and OER executives alongside the First Lady. 

The total investment in the project amounted to $55,000, reaffirming AES Panama’s commitment to sustainable development and the well-being of communities in hard-to-reach areas. 

“In September 2024, we had the opportunity to visit this community for the first time. Today, returning and seeing this project become a reality fills us with great satisfaction. Initiatives like this demonstrate that when we work together, we can transform realities and create new opportunities for communities. To date, AES Panama has invested more than $12 million in rural electrification projects across the country, benefiting more than 7,000 people,” said Miguel Bolinaga, President of AES Panama. 

Also present at the event was the Director of the Rural Electrification Office (OER), who stated: 

“We are pleased to deliver another project that directly benefits communities. At the OER, we are advancing a series of rural electrification projects across the country with the goal of continuing to close gaps and bring energy to those who need it most.” 

During the visit, the President of AES Panama also announced his commitment to provide the community of Cimarrón with a motorized boat, which will facilitate transportation for children to the nearest school, helping improve their access to education. 

For her part, First Lady Maricel Cohen de Mulino stated: 

“I am very happy to see this project come to life. It was a dream we shared nearly two years ago when we first visited this community in 2024. Today, that commitment has become a reality. Enabling families to have electricity in their homes is a tremendous blessing.” 

The arrival of electricity represents a significant change for the residents of Cimarrón, improving living conditions, expanding access to educational opportunities, and strengthening community development. 

This project exemplifies the impact that can be achieved through strategic partnerships between the private and public sectors, delivering sustainable solutions to those who need them most. 

AES Panama thus reaffirms its commitment to continue advancing initiatives that promote access to energy, foster social development, and improve quality of life throughout the country.