Venezuela power grid faces vulnerability as only 21% of thermoelectric plants operate

Civil engineer Roberto Vernet has warned of the high vulnerability of Venezuela’s National Electric System (SEN) due to severe maintenance failures and infrastructure deterioration. Vernet reported that only 21% of the country’s thermoelectric power plants are currently operational, leaving the grid heavily dependent on the Guri hydroelectric complex.

During a visit to the San Jerónimo substation in Guárico state, Vernet noted that the issues extend beyond generation to include the transmission and distribution networks. He stated that nearly all substations suffer from deteriorated equipment and lack of maintenance, which contributed to recent blackouts across four states.

To mitigate the risk of total system collapse, Vernet urged the prioritization of thermal generation capacity and the comprehensive rehabilitation of substations. This comes as authorities aim to incorporate 4,800 megawatts of thermoelectric energy by the end of the year to offset the impact of El Niño, which has reduced water reserves and increased temperatures.