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Venezuela reduces public sector working hours to save energy

The country is experiencing a period of water scarcity, with reservoirs showing low storage levels

Venezuela reduces public sector working hours to save energy

The Venezuelan government has asked the population to support energy-saving measures. Photo: Freepik

The Venezuelan government announced this weekend a reduction in working hours for public servants as a response to a climate emergency that has been affecting the country's reservoir levels.

The measure came into effect this Monday (24) and establishes new opening hours for professionals, from 8 am to 12:30 pm, valid for the next six weeks. 

The decision excludes sectors considered essential and is similar to actions adopted previously, in 2016 and 2018, when the country also faced a drop in the volume of water at the Guri hydroelectric plant – a plant responsible for supplying around 80% of Venezuelans. 

According to the official statement, the country is experiencing the effects of an extreme climate event, with high temperatures and water shortages, especially in the Andean region. 

The government also implemented the “1×1” staggered system and asked for the population’s support with energy-saving measures, such as adjusting the air conditioning to 23°C, making more use of natural light and turning off electronic devices that are not being used.

Although energy rationing has been common in inland areas for more than a decade, the situation has worsened in recent years. 

Between 2019 and 2024, prolonged blackouts left several regions of the country in the dark. While experts point to the lack of maintenance on the electrical system as the main cause, the government attributes the episodes to alleged acts of sabotage.

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Despite having high levels of solar incidence throughout the year, Venezuela still barely explores the potential of solar energy in its energy matrix. 

Currently, the country relies heavily on hydroelectric generation, especially from the Guri Power Plant. In addition, the lack of investment, combined with economic and political instability, has made it difficult to expand alternative sources. 

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Henrique Hein
About the Author
Henrique Hein

He worked at Correio Popular and Rádio Trianon. He has experience in podcast production, radio programs, interviews and reporting. Has been following the solar sector since 2020.

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