CARACAS – Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez has ordered a series of preventive measures aimed at reducing the potential impact of drought conditions on the country's national electricity system.
According to the announcement, the government's plan includes mandatory water and electricity conservation measures, closer monitoring of reservoirs, increased efforts to prevent forest fires, and greater reliance on thermoelectric power plants to support electricity generation.
The government also said it intends to add 4,800 megawatts (MW) of generating capacity to the national power grid as part of its strategy to strengthen the system.
The announcement comes as many parts of Venezuela continue to experience recurring power outages and interruptions to electricity service. Authorities say the new measures are intended to prepare the country for the possible effects of prolonged dry weather, which can reduce water levels at hydroelectric facilities that generate much of Venezuela's electricity.
The latest plan has also sparked debate among government critics, who question whether the measures are solely aimed at preventing climate-related disruptions or could also serve to explain ongoing problems within the country's electricity system.
No additional details were provided regarding the timeline for adding the promised 4,800 MW of new generating capacity or how the expansion will be implemented. The government has not announced whether the preventive measures will remain in effect for a fixed period or be adjusted depending on weather conditions.