Venezuela urges deeper power and water savings as El Niño threatens drought

Less than two months after twin earthquakes left more than 6,000 dead, Venezuela’s interim president Delcy Rodriguez announced that the El Niño climate event is already impacting the nation and may cause a drought before the end of the year. She called for intensified electricity and water conservation as the grid, operating with under 13,000 MW of capacity against a 36,000 MW install base, endures daily outages of up to 10 hours and erratic water supply.

Residents in Valencia, Maracaibo and La Guaira voiced frustration, describing surprise cuts and worsening living conditions. Energy expert Nelson Hernandez notes that 90% of thermal plants are offline, forcing reliance on the Guri hydro system for over 80% of power. Rodriguez pledged the restoration of up to 4,800 MW via new contracts with GE Vernova and IMPSA, yet critics like Jose Antonio Robles argue the crisis stems from long-term underinvestment.

Businesses and hospitals are scrambling with generators, while families still living in tents fear further rationing. The information ministry and utility Corpoelec declined to comment.