Delcy Rodríguez decrees electrical rationing for 45 days in Venezuela and blames it on solar rays
Delcy Rodríguez, Venezuela's interim president, has announced a 45-day energy rationing plan due to expected high solar radiation that could lead to extreme temperatures and increased energy demand.
Delcy Rodríguez, the interim president of Venezuela, declared the implementation of a national energy-saving plan that will last for 45 days, attributing the need for this measure to a phenomenon of direct solar radiation expected to drastically raise temperatures. During a press conference, Rodríguez warned that this 'perpendicular passage of solar rays from south to north' poses a significant risk of intense heat, which could spike energy consumption. She urged citizens to cooperate and expressed concern about a potential increase in forest fires as a result of these conditions.
The plan includes guidelines for citizens to help manage energy usage, such as setting air conditioning units to 21 degrees Celsius and turning off electrical devices when not in use. Rodríguez emphasized the importance of public awareness and collaboration among local officials to mitigate the impact of this crisis. The government plans to utilize thermal drones to monitor the areas most affected by rising temperatures, indicating a proactive approach to handle the situation.
Despite the pressing measures announced, it is imperative to note that Venezuela's national electrical system has been in crisis for the past 16 years, with rolling blackouts and inadequate infrastructure severely limiting reliable energy supply. The government's reliance on solar phenomena to explain the crisis might be perceived as an attempt to deflect responsibility for the ongoing issues plaguing the energy sector, raising questions about the effectiveness of governance and resource management in Venezuela.