Energy Saving News
Venezuela Power Crisis Continues
Venezuela is undergoing its worst-ever power crisis, leading President Hugo Chavez to declare a national emergency.
The worsening situation has lead the government to impose drastic rationing, and penalties for those who fail to cut energy consumption by 20 percent.
The population of Caracas are having to do whatever they can to reduce the amount of electricity they use: air con units are being switched off, restaurants are hand washing rather than using dish washers.
State employees are being sent home early by the government at lunchtime, and, as we reported two weeks ago, the administration is rationing energy around the South American nation.
Chavez has stated the drastic steps are needed to prevent collapse of the oil-producing nation's grid, which relies on hydroelectric dams for more than two-thirds of its power. Chavez blames weather phenomenon El Nino for causing a drought, resulting in a drop in output.
In the Venezuelan capital, where an initial plan to impose rationing by zone was cancelled after a day of chaos, the government has said it will fine or even cut off consumers who use too much power.
Fully 65 percent of Caracas businesses have failed to make the required cutbacks, according to government statistics.
The government has been distributing low energy light bulbs but more effective and long-term energy saving measures need to be implemented for long term energy security of the country.
Monday 15th March 2010
