Venezuela implements emergency measures amid severe power crisis

Venezuela is facing a severe energy crisis characterized by frequent and prolonged power outages, with some regions reporting daily blackouts lasting between five and twelve hours. The government has attributed the instability to the El Niño phenomenon and increased demand, which recently peaked at approximately 15,726 MW against a generation capacity of roughly 12,000 MW.

In response to the deficit, the government has implemented several emergency measures. Public sector employees in non-essential agencies are now working reduced schedules, often only four and a half hours per day or on alternating days. Additionally, officials have announced plans to gradually reduce electricity and gas subsidies, using inflation as a reference for tariff adjustments.

Opposition leaders, including Andrés Velásquez of La Causa R, have rejected the climate-related explanation, instead attributing the crisis to systemic corruption and a lack of investment in the national grid. Protests have erupted in various states, including Carabobo and Lara, as citizens and business groups demand an official rationing schedule to allow for better planning. Meanwhile, the government has signed an agreement with the Argentine company IMPSA to resume work on the Tocoma hydroelectric plant in Bolívar state to bolster long-term capacity.