The Venezuelan government has called for citizens to conserve electricity and water as the country prepares for a drought linked to the El Niño weather phenomenon. Interim President Delcy Rodriguez stated last week that the periodic warming of the Pacific Ocean is already impacting the country and could lead to a severe water shortage before the end of the year. The announcement follows a pair of earthquakes two months ago that resulted in more than 6,000 deaths and extensive damage to infrastructure.
Energy experts and local engineering centers report that the looming drought is compounding a long-standing deficit in public services caused by underinvestment and lack of maintenance. According to a report by energy expert Nelson Hernandez, approximately 90% of Venezuela's thermal power capacity is currently out of service. This has forced the nation to rely on hydroelectric power, primarily from the Guri dam system, for more than 80% of its electricity supply.
Official data shows Venezuela has less than 13,000 megawatts (MW) of available generation capacity out of 36,000 MW installed, creating a shortfall of over 1,500 MW. In response, the government has implemented new rationing measures in Caracas, requiring office buildings and malls to turn off elevators for three hours daily. Rodriguez has pledged to restore 4,800 MW of capacity by year-end through new upgrade contracts with GE Vernova and IMPSA, though local business chambers expressed skepticism regarding past unmet promises.
The scale of the crisis is reflected in the 1,500 MW gap between supply and demand, a deficit that threatens to grow as El Niño-induced drought reduces hydroelectric output. Small-business owners, factory operators, and farmers are forecasting reduced sales and lower production volumes due to the instability of the grid. Hospitals and private clinics are now forced to rely on backup generators to maintain emergency care services, adding operational costs and risks to healthcare delivery during a period of recovery from the twin earthquakes that claimed 6,000 lives.
Looking ahead, the government's ability to stabilize the grid depends on the successful execution of repair contracts aimed at restoring 4,800 MW of capacity before the end of 2026. However, agricultural experts warn that the combination of drought and potential wildfires could further impact food production in the coming months. Citizens in earthquake-damaged areas continue to wait for official word on whether their homes will be repaired or demolished, while the state utility Corpoelec has not provided a specific timeline for when regular service might be restored.