Táchira residents protest electricity diversion to Caracas

Residents of Táchira state in western Venezuela are protesting prolonged electricity rationing, accusing the government of diverting locally generated power to Caracas to prevent social unrest in the capital.

Local officials and citizens claim that the Táchira thermal power plant produces approximately 70 megawatts, which should be sufficient to meet regional demand. However, much of this production is reportedly sent to the national interconnected system to maintain the ‘Caracas bubble.’

The power outages, which in some municipalities have lasted up to 26 hours, are causing significant economic damage. The lack of electricity is paralyzing commercial activities and destroying the cold chain for agricultural and livestock producers, leading to unsustainable financial losses.

While the administration under Delcy Rodríguez has pursued energy sector reforms and agreements with companies like GE Vernova to recover power capacity, the situation in the provinces remains critical. Citizens have responded with road closures and protests to demand an end to what they describe as unjust treatment of the interior regions.