# Utility service disruptions in South America

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/utility-service-disruptions-in-south-america
> Updated: 2026-09-17T20:49:37.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 3.

Utility service disruptions have been reported across several regions in South America involving gas and electricity supplies.

In Neuquén, Argentina, approximately 40 families in the Don Vicente subdivision experienced a gas outage caused by a construction error during a redirection project. Camuzzi technicians have been working to manually reopen gas valves at individual homes to restore service, though some residents remain without gas pending inspections.

Meanwhile, in Daule, Ecuador, residents in sectors such as La Aurora, Villa Italia, and Plaza Madeira faced recurring electricity outages. The Corporación Nacional de Electricidad (CNEL) attributed these interruptions to a distribution system overload. Local residents have expressed frustration regarding the frequency of outages and voiced concerns about potential damage to household appliances caused by voltage fluctuations.

By late August, disruptions continued in other areas. In La Plata, Argentina, a fire at the Tolosa Transformer Station left roughly 65,000 users facing intermittent electricity shortages and noise from emergency generators. In El Tigre, Venezuela, an explosion in a residential bathroom led to a gas outage in the La Charneca sector. Officials suggested the outage was due to the deterioration of the main line, forcing residents to rely on electric stoves.

As of mid-September, the situation in El Tigre’s La Charneca sector persists. Residents face a combination of gas, electricity, and water shortages. VDGAS crews are working to replace pipelines in several streets, affecting roughly 30 homes. Officials are inspecting internal installations, noting many connections are outdated or fail to meet safety standards. Residents may be required to perform private network adjustments to restore service, though the potential for additional costs remains unclear. Additionally, 20-year-old José Doumond, who suffered burns in the initial explosion, has been discharged from medical observation after 19 days; his family reported medical costs of approximately $2,000.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-17: Utility shortages in Venezuela and ammonia leak in Argentina

Residents in El Tigre, Venezuela, face ongoing utility shortages following a gas explosion, while an ammonia leak in Mar del Plata, Argentina, triggered an emergency response from specialized police and firecre

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/utility-shortages-in-venezuela-and-ammonia-leak-in-argentina

### 2026-08-23: Utility disruptions persist in La Plata and El Tigre following infrastructure incidents

Utility disruptions persist in La Plata, Argentina, following a transformer fire, and in El Tigre, Venezuela, where a gas explosion has left residents without service and one person injured.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/utility-disruptions-persist-in-la-plata-and-el-tigre-following-infrastructure-incidents

### 2026-08-18: Utility service interruptions reported in Neuquén and Daule

Utility outages have affected residents in Neuquén, where a construction error cut gas to 40 families, and in Daule, where recurring power surges and cuts have prompted complaints to CNEL.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/utility-service-interruptions-reported-in-neuqun-and-daule

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Cite as: Utility service disruptions in South America. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/utility-service-disruptions-in-south-america