The province receives almost all of its energy from the National Interconnected System. As a result of the lack of alternative generation sources, the system becomes more vulnerable.
Rural areas have the greatest difficulty supplying electricity due to the high cost of power lines, especially due to relief and distance.
In Catamarca, the provincial energy network is connected to the SIRNOA power grid via the Escava-Huacra-Capital power line and to the National Energy System via the Recreo-La Paz-San Martín-Capital power line. Both 132 KVs. The Departments of Andalgalá, Pomán, Belén, and Tinogasta are connected by the 132 KV line.
Villa Quinteros power station in Tucumán province connects Santa María department to the 220 KV line. El Bracho (in Tucumán) – Bajo La Alumbrera (Catamarca).
There have been various attempts to convert energy, but they are still insufficient to supply the whole province.
A number of photovoltaic solar power plants are located in the province. The last one built is located in Villa de Antofagasta de la Sierra called Parque Solar Fotovoltaico para la Villa de Antofagasta de la Sierra. The project benefits directly the department where the lithium exploitation project in the Salar del Hombre Muerto is located. First of its kind in the province, the solar park is financed by mining royalties and is 100% built by local firms.
In the graph below, you can see how the electric system is distributed, along with thermal power plants and photovoltaic plants.