John Barrett Leads U.S. Energy Review and University Visit in Venezuela

U.S. Embassy chief John Barrett announced a joint technical assessment of Venezuela's electric system, bringing together experts from the U.S. Department of Energy, the Venezuelan Ministry of Electric Energy and the state utility Corpoelec. The team inspected generation, transmission and distribution facilities, including the Simón Bolívar Hydroelectric Plant (Guri), to produce a feasibility report and a roadmap for modernising the national power grid.

Barrett also made an informal visit to the Central University of Venezuela, touring the Aula Magna with his security detail. The visit follows his active presence in the country after the devastating June 24 earthquakes, during which the United States has provided over $386 million in humanitarian assistance and participated in site inspections with local officials and engineers. No official comment has been given on the purpose of the university tour.