Residents protest continuous power outages in Palavecino, Venezuela

Residents of Palavecino municipality in Venezuela's Lara state took to the streets on Wednesday, protesting persistent electricity cuts and demanding immediate solutions. The demonstration occurred in the Las Mercedes urban area, where locals have been grappling with daily disruptions to their power supply.

Despite residents submitting a formal letter to Corpoelec, the national electricity company, on July 13 detailing the situation, authorities have yet to respond. Previously, power outages occurred on specific days, lasting about five hours. Now, the rationing is daily, extending to five or six hours, significantly impacting daily life.

The prolonged blackouts pose a serious risk to individuals with chronic health conditions requiring constant medical attention, including cancer patients, those undergoing dialysis, and individuals dependent on oxygen therapy or managing diabetes. The lack of electricity also affects the elderly and children with autism spectrum disorder, exacerbating their daily challenges.

Furthermore, the power interruptions hinder the optimal functioning of water pumping systems, leaving many communities without access to potable water. The commercial sector and health centers also face severe operational difficulties due to the constant power failures. Reports indicate that other states, including Zulia, Carabobo, and Táchira, are experiencing similar daily outages ranging from five to eight hours, with some areas in Zulia and Táchira facing up to 15 hours of cuts, sometimes in multiple phases.

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It is an unsustainable situation. I am fed up, obstinate. We have had these people in government for almost 30 years and the Executive does not respond to the electrical crisis. The only thing that is efficient is the person in charge of lowering the switch.