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Montevideo, March 28th 2024 - 19:16 UTC

 

 

Oil rich but power short Venezuela cuts working day to save electricity

Wednesday, April 29th 2015 - 09:14 UTC
Full article 12 comments
Vice-President Arreaza said very hot weather caused a surge in energy demand. State employees would now work from 07:30-13:00 to save on air conditioning. Vice-President Arreaza said very hot weather caused a surge in energy demand. State employees would now work from 07:30-13:00 to save on air conditioning.
President Maduro claimed energy problems were due to maintenance issues, but opposition criticized the government for not investing enough in energy sector. President Maduro claimed energy problems were due to maintenance issues, but opposition criticized the government for not investing enough in energy sector.

Venezuela says it will cut the working day for public sector workers to five-and-a-half hours to conserve energy, down from eight to nine hours. The initiative is part of a nationwide electricity rationing plan.

 Vice-President Jorge Arreaza said there had been a surge in energy demand due to extremely hot weather. He said state employees would now work from 07:30-13:00 to save on air conditioning.

On Monday, local media reported blackouts across the country.

Arreaza said private companies would be asked to use their own generators to reduce pressure on the national grid. But he said it was private homeowners who consumed the most energy, and he called for everyone to turn the dial down on their air conditioners.

“We are appealing to everyone's conscience, to use energy efficiently.”

Last week the government claimed that energy problems were due to maintenance issues, but the opposition criticized the government for not investing enough in the energy sector.

Power outages are common in Venezuela, which is a big oil producer but depends heavily on hydro-electric power.

Venezuela is also struggling with an economy in recession that has been hard hit by the fall in the price of oil. Some 96% of its export revenues are reported to come from oil. Inflation is also high, and stood at more than 60% in 2014.

Top Comments

Disclaimer & comment rules
  • Klingon

    The Chavista's have it all under control. They need to cut power to the areas that voted for these Turkeys.

    Apr 29th, 2015 - 11:55 am 0
  • yankeeboy

    Bahahahahaha

    Just when you think it couldn't get any worse.

    If another K type is elected this will be the future of Argentina too.
    although you're not too far off now

    Apr 29th, 2015 - 11:57 am 0
  • Briton

    Why are they all moaning,
    candles are cheap are they not...lol

    Apr 29th, 2015 - 01:19 pm 0
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