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2014-06-28 Caribbean-Latin America

Venezuela blackout leaves commuters scrambling,

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Posted by Fred 2014-06-28 00:00|| || Front Page|| [7 views ] Top

#1 Worser to come. If the weathermen are right (for once) the area is in for a draught which will drop the water levels of the Caroni behind Guri Damn.

This complex provides most of the countries base load. When the water levels dropped a few years ago the government started spending money on a decentralized system based on (srsly) Cuban experience. Many 10 and 20 megawatt diesel gen sets and several larger GE combustion turbines on barges. Diesel consumption went thru the roof. Maintenance is spotty, lack of dollars for parts and the Venezuelan national inclination to hope for the best make this an Achilles heel for the regime. To add to the problems paying electricity bills is optional, hell even getting a bill is optional. A neighbor might very well serve as the local lineman/electrician.

Posted by Shipman 2014-06-28 02:50|| 2014-06-28 02:50|| Front Page Top

#2 Considering how successful Cubes have been keeping the lights on, that's ominous. And Cuba basically runs on Venezuelan oil.
It's always amusing how places that believe in central planning never seem to plan out their infrastructure. (It's like 'Oh, sanitation, ooh, let think a minute...)

Posted by ed in texas 2014-06-28 07:39|| 2014-06-28 07:39|| Front Page Top

#3 "If only Oogo were still alive..."

Posted by Frank G 2014-06-28 09:46|| 2014-06-28 09:46|| Front Page Top

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