A widespread blackout on Friday plunged Venezuela into darkness for more than eight hours, with much of the country still without electricity. The power outage, which began at 4:40 AM, affected a large portion of the national territory, leaving millions of people without light and internet access.
Despite claims by Nicolás Maduro's regime that they are working on a contingency plan to restore the electrical service, reports from users across the country indicate that most areas remain without power and internet. In some parts of eastern Caracas, service was intermittently restored but quickly failed again, leaving residents back in the dark.
The NGO VeSinFiltro reported that more than 80% of the country still lacks internet connectivity, a clear indicator that the electrical service has not been restored in the majority of affected regions. At least 20 of the 24 states in the country have experienced power and internet cuts, exacerbating the crisis, confirmed the news portal UHN PLUS.
The Chavista regime has claimed a supposed "sabotage" as the cause of the blackout, a justification frequently used in the past to explain failures in public services. Many view these accusations as a strategy to divert attention from the severe situation the country faces, which has been in an economic recession for nearly a decade, suffering from hyperinflation and a rapid decline in service quality.
Power outages have become increasingly common in Venezuela, an OPEC member nation that, despite its vast oil reserves, is undergoing a deep economic and social crisis. Lack of investment in infrastructure, corruption, and poor management are cited by experts as the main causes of the collapse of public services, including the recurring blackouts affecting millions of Venezuelans.
"The Chavismo never misses an opportunity to claim everything is under control, but whenever something goes wrong, it's sabotage: The power goes out: sabotage, they lose elections: hacking; there's no gasoline: sanctions/sabotage; there's no water: sabotage by God," remarked an internet user on the social network X.
Economist Asdrúbal R. Oliveros added, "Today's blackout is a clear reminder that the current model is incapable of providing well-being for all and allowing Venezuela to return to a path of sustained recovery."
This incident occurs amid the severe political crisis in the country following the elections in which Nicolás Maduro was declared the winner despite fraud allegations made by the opposition.
Understanding Venezuela's Power Crisis
This section answers key questions about the ongoing power crisis in Venezuela, providing more context and insights into the situation.
What caused the recent blackout in Venezuela?
The Chavista regime has attributed the blackout to a supposed "sabotage," a claim frequently used in the past for similar issues. However, experts point to poor infrastructure, lack of investment, and mismanagement as the primary causes.
How are Venezuelans coping with the frequent power outages?
Many Venezuelans are struggling as frequent power outages disrupt daily life, cutting off access to light, internet, and essential services. The lack of reliable electricity exacerbates the country's ongoing economic and social crisis.
What is the impact of the power crisis on Venezuela's economy?
The power crisis severely impacts Venezuela's economy, contributing to prolonged recession, hyperinflation, and declining service quality. Businesses and daily activities are disrupted, further hindering economic recovery.