Nora Bracho demands national consultation on Electricity Sector Law
Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Legislator Nora Bracho demands a broad national consultation before the definitive approval of the Electricity Sector Law.
- Bracho criticized the limited official debate, advocating for the inclusion of academic, union, and social actors to ensure transparency.
- She also called for clear answers from the Minister of Electric Energy regarding the national system's ongoing crisis.
Venezuelan legislator Nora Bracho insists that the proposed Electricity Sector Law must undergo extensive national consultation before its final approval. Bracho, a member of the National Assembly's Administration and Services Commission, stated that the bill, already sent for its second discussion, should be more than a legislative formality.
She argued that the law should serve as a tool for the structural transformation of Venezuela's electrical system, emphasizing the profound impact of the energy crisis on daily life and the economy. "Without electricity, there is practically nothing. There is no water or hydrocarbon production," Bracho noted, highlighting the continued disruption to essential sectors.
Without electricity, there is practically nothing. There is no water or hydrocarbon production.
Bracho criticized the current debate for being confined to official circles and advocated for broader participation. She proposed incorporating universities, specialists, and civil organizations to enrich the discussion and ensure greater transparency in the legislative process. The legislator also demanded accountability from the Minister of Electric Energy, Rolando Alcalรก, concerning the state of the National Electric System.
"Venezuela needs and deserves precise answers. It is not acceptable for citizens to live by guesswork, trying to anticipate when the lights will go out to make provisions," Bracho stated, referencing a questionnaire submitted by her parliamentary group weeks prior without a response. She also denounced the unequal distribution of electricity services across the country, noting that regions like Zulia face exacerbated issues due to high temperatures and thermoelectric plant failures, while Andean states endure daily blackouts lasting four to fifteen hours.
Venezuela needs and deserves precise answers. It is not acceptable for citizens to live by guesswork, trying to anticipate when the lights will go out to make provisions.
Originally published by El Nacional in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.