Venezuela to cut energy output if key dam falls to critical low

[Zorro]

Venezuela will reduce power generation if the key Guri dam, which supplies around half of the blackout-hit country's electricity, falls below a minimum level that is fast approaching, an official said on Friday.

A severe drought, coupled with what critics say is a lack of investment and maintenance in energy infrastructure, has hit the South American nation which depends on hydropower for 60 percent of its electricity generation.

The massive Guri dam in Venezuela's central jungle is now at just 244 meters - its lowest level ever and just 4 meters from a critical point where water cannot feed its turbines.

"Without a doubt if the level reaches 240 meters we will have to apply certain operative measures, which authorities will announce in due time," Miguel Angel Romero, the head of generation at state-run energy firm Corpoelec, told Reuters in an interview.

https://www.yahoo.com/news/venezuela-cut-energy-output-key-dam-falls-critical-000339254--finance.html

This might be the straw that breaks the camel's back. Massive blackouts will get lots of people in the streets calling for Maduro's ouster.

[Marksman_91]

1. 17 years Chavismo had to develop the country's infrastructure and new sources of clean energy

Last edited Sun Apr 3, 2016, 08:44 AM - Edit history (1)

17 years, and with an oil price boom for more than 14 of it. This is something that cannot be blamed on nature, and more of the utter incompetence and corruption in Chavismo that lead to this now dire situation