The Minister of Energy and Mines detailed some of the measures implemented to avoid a greater impact on the energy system

The following is a machine translation of a Ministry of Energy and Mines release

During a press conference, the Minister of Energy and Mines, Antonio Goncalves, provided details on the actions that the National Government is taking in response to the emergency that the country is experiencing due to the worst drought in the last 60 years. The Minister explained that decisions such as the scheduled suspension of the electric service allow for the preservation of water reserves, with the aim of avoiding a greater impact on the energy system; which is in addition to the technical work to encourage rainfall.

“The objective is to ensure that the Mazar reservoir does not reach 2,110 meters above sea level; therefore, we are all making the effort. All the measures implemented by the Government are focused on improving the reserve at this hydroelectric plant,” the Minister emphasized. The update for 1:30 p.m. on September 23 indicates that the reservoir is at 2,117.5 meters above sea level, which is equivalent to a recovery of 1.2 meters compared to the level recorded on Saturday, September 21.

He also referred to the suspension of the electricity service. “We are evaluating the conditions of the rivers that supply the main hydroelectric plants in the country. We will inform the public every Friday about the schedule of energy rationing so that citizens have greater predictability. It is possible that, if the water situation improves, the power cuts will be reduced in schedule.”

The minister explained that our matrix is fed by 72% of water sources, which is why the Government is looking for alternatives through thermal power plants to cover the deficit, and is also working on strategies such as cloud bombardment to stimulate rainfall. “It is important to note that we use run-of-the-river power plants such as Coca Codo Sinclair to supply demand; however, we monitor this infrastructure to avoid the accumulation of sediments that could damage the components,” said the head of the Ministry of Energy and Mines, Antonio Goncalves.

The Minister of Environment, Water and Ecological Transition and President of the COE, Inés Manzano, also participated in this space held today, where she referred to the hydrological situation of most of the country's provinces and the actions that are being undertaken to counteract this regional problem.

He also reported that in the last 24 hours there has been rain in several provinces of the country, after a period of 71 days of drought. However, water levels are still below the seasonal records.

The National COE is in permanent meeting to monitor climate variability and keep citizens informed.