Caracas cuts public work hours for energy savings

Caracas authorities have implemented a reduced work schedule for public employees, aiming to conserve energy. The new plan features alternating workdays and a departure time of 12:30 p.m. to decrease electricity consumption in the capital.

This initiative follows a recent appeal from interim president Delcy Rodríguez for citizens to save water and energy, citing the "Super Niño" climate phenomenon. The call for conservation comes as various regions in Venezuela have experienced power outages and water supply restrictions.

Adding to the energy sector's challenges, U.S. Embassy officials visited the Simón Bolívar Hydroelectric Power Plant, also known as Guri Dam. Specialists from the Department of Energy and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory conducted a technical inspection of the facility, part of U.S. efforts to support Venezuela's energy sector recovery. The Guri Dam is critical for national electricity generation and the stability of the power supply across much of the country.

The reduced work schedule in Caracas is one of the concrete measures announced by officials to manage consumption. While it directly affects public administration workers in the capital, it complements broader official appeals to households, businesses, and institutions to limit their electricity use amidst the ongoing energy and water difficulties.

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The measure contemplates an alternating work schedule, with one day of work and another of rest, and establishes 12:30 p.m. as the departure time. The objective, as explained, is to reduce electricity demand in the capital.