The electricity crisis in Venezuela continues

The electricity crisis in Venezuela continues to have no solution in sight, and a quick alternative is not expected either.

Since 2008, power rationing in Venezuela, along with blackouts and service fluctuations, has been a sort of punishment for Venezuelans.

However, in recent months, Venezuela has been experiencing a worsening electricity crisis of significant proportions.

Frequent brownouts and blackouts have affected various states in Venezuela. On the afternoon of Saturday, September 30, a significant electrical fluctuation was felt in the Zulia state and at least nine other states, causing concern among the population.

To have a clear picture, when electricity consumption spikes in Venezuela, there are daily power rationing periods lasting 2 to 4 hours.

This pattern has been repeating since 2009, even when Hugo Chávez was still in power.

The National Electric Corporation (Corpoelec) has not provided details about the causes of this new electrical failure, leaving the country’s residents in suspense.

In addition to limiting their daily activities, citizens risk damage to their electronic devices due to voltage fluctuations.

The issues with electricity in Venezuela date back to 2008 when the country faced blackouts due to a lack of maintenance of the National Electric System and the drought in 2009.

During that period, an electricity emergency was declared, and energy rationing measures were implemented.

Furthermore, cases of alleged corruption in the electrical sector have come to light.

Companies like Derwick Associates have been implicated in multi-million-dollar contracts that promised to address the energy crisis but resulted in embezzlement and infrastructure failures.

Electricity crisis in Venezuela: Hydroelectric plants in the world, Guri

Despite Venezuela having one of the largest hydroelectric plants in the world, Guri, the distribution system is very outdated.

Additionally, despite having vast gas reserves, thermal power plants suffer from failures and insufficient supply.

In response to these events, organizations like Provea and Transparencia Venezuela have demanded transparent investigations and the punishment of those responsible for these acts of corruption.

The quality of life for citizens has been disproportionately affected by this electricity crisis, underscoring the urgent need for long-term solutions.

At one point, Guri was the largest hydroelectric plant in the world. Five years after its inauguration, it was surpassed in magnitude by the Itaipú plant, a binational project between Brazil and Paraguay.

In 2007, it was eclipsed by the Three Gorges plant in China. In 2020, Guri remains the plant keeping Venezuela’s lights on.

The project from 50 years ago was designed to supply about 10,000 megawatts, but by 2023, Venezuela needed approximately 20,000 megawatts.

Also read: Who Was Don Carolino, the Urban Poet of Aguascalientes.