Venezuela Urges Energy, Water Savings Amid 'Superniño' Climate Phenomenon

Venezuela's acting president, Delcy Rodríguez, has called on the nation to conserve electricity and water in anticipation of the "Superniño" climate phenomenon. She announced a plan to add 4,800 megawatts (MW) to the national electrical system by the end of the year.

Rodríguez stated that specific plans are being developed to manage rising temperatures and reduced water sources. These include integrating 4,800 MW into thermoelectric generation. She mentioned that these megawatts will supplement those from contracts with companies like General Electric (GE) Vernova and the US-Argentine firm IMPSA. "We are acting to have additional electricity generation mechanisms in our country in the coming weeks to prepare ourselves; these are preventive actions," she said.

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We are acting to have additional electricity generation mechanisms in our country in the coming weeks to prepare ourselves; these are preventive actions.

The government is also working with the agro-industry on a plan to preserve food production. Rodríguez emphasized the importance of a national conservation effort for both electricity and water, urging Venezuelans to unite in caring for nature and using resources rationally. "Let's prepare ourselves, it is the stage of preparation, and I ask that Venezuela be prepared... let's unite to take care of nature... so that the consumption of both electricity and water is rational," she expressed.

Venezuela has experienced persistent electricity supply issues for years. The government blames foreign sanctions, while the opposition and experts attribute the problems to corruption and lack of maintenance. Rodríguez also noted that a recent earthquake on June 24 damaged the electrical system, including towers, transmission lines, and the Termocarabobo thermoelectric plant, which had been generating 600 MW. While 300 MW of that capacity has been restored, full recovery is expected in the coming weeks. The government has established a commission to select contractors in the electrical sector and is considering reforms to the Organic Law of the Electric System and Service to encourage private investment.

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Let's prepare ourselves, it is the stage of preparation, and I ask that Venezuela be prepared... let's unite to take care of nature... so that the consumption of both electricity and water is rational.