Venezuelan Government Establishes Permanent Commission for National Electric System Contracts

The Venezuelan government has created a special, permanent commission to oversee contractor selection within the national electric system, a strategic sector grappling with a severe, long-standing crisis. The decree, published in Official Gazette No. 43.385, designates this new body to manage procedures for contracting works, acquiring goods, and securing services for the power grid.

This commission will be led by three principal members, specialists in legal, technical, and economic-financial areas, along with their alternates. Amanda Calderón Singer will serve as secretary. The decree also allows for the incorporation of technical advisors based on process complexity and permits observers from the General Comptroller's Office and the ministry's Internal Audit Unit, who will have speaking rights but no voting power.

The new regulations emphasize confidentiality regarding documentation, reports, and deliberations. This initiative emerges as the electric system faces persistent supply failures, particularly outside the capital. While the government blames international sanctions, opposition groups and experts point to underinvestment, inadequate maintenance, and mismanagement.

Concurrently, the National Assembly recently approved reforms to the Organic Law of the Electric System and Service, intended to encourage private investment. The administration is also reportedly in discussions with international firms like Siemens and General Electric to explore infrastructure recovery projects, especially in Zulia state.