This study presents the results of asurvey and analysis of the data available on privateparticipation in the power sector in the period 1990-2002,pointing to a series of preliminary findings, and identifiesareas where deeper policy analysis is needed so thatmodalities for public-private partnerships can be proposedand the sector can again attract the needed investments. Thefinal goal of this desk study is to select two or threecountries for further analysis. It would be the objective ofa subsequent phase, to analyze case studies and present keylessons learnt in selected countries and compare them withinternational experience.