Manuel Rosales demands end to Zulia electricity rationing, citing maintenance failures

Manuel Rosales, a prominent opposition leader and former governor of Venezuela's Zulia state, has sharply criticized the ongoing "exaggerated" electricity rationing affecting the region. He highlighted a significant deficit of approximately 500 megawatts, attributing it directly to the "lack of maintenance" at the Rafael Urdaneta and Ramón Laguna thermoelectric plants.

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In Zulia, we have a serious problem, not caused by Guri, but by the lack of maintenance and equipment installation at the Rafael Urdaneta and Ramón Laguna thermoelectric plants.

In a video shared on social media, Rosales asserted that the collapse of Zulia's electrical system stems from the "neglect of equipment." He detailed that these two key plants are operating at a mere 20% to 30% of their actual potential, despite having an installed capacity to generate 2,900 megawatts. "In Zulia, we have a serious problem, not caused by Guri (the national hydroelectric plant), but by the lack of maintenance and equipment installation at the Rafael Urdaneta and Ramón Laguna thermoelectric plants," he stated.

To address the crisis, Rosales put forth a proposal for an "immediate" low-investment, rapid-execution plan aimed at reactivating power generation at both facilities. He recalled presenting a technical plan on May 21 focused on repairing idle turbines and integrating combined-cycle units. Rosales condemned the frequent power "brownouts" that damage appliances for residents, businesses, and industries in Zulia, issuing a direct demand: "Enough with the exaggerated rationing and brownouts in Zulia!"

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Enough with the exaggerated rationing and brownouts in Zulia!

The leader of Un Nuevo Tiempo (UNT) guaranteed that implementing his project would substantially reduce the 500 MW deficit and stabilize the regional power flow. He emphasized the feasibility of his plan, stating, "The solution exists, it is possible, and it can begin immediately. What is needed is will, decision, and answers." Rosales drew upon his past experience as governor, asserting his deep understanding of the plants' operational dynamics and the relatively low investment required compared to the positive impact of adding dual-generation units to Zulia's power grid. For the medium and long term, he suggested building a sub-lacustrine cable and strategically utilizing gas from Campo Cuatro, noting that the U.S. administration is exploring national energy recovery options with firms like General Electric, independent of Zulia's immediate needs.

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The solution exists, it is possible, and it can begin immediately. What is needed is will, decision, and answers.