Power crisis exposes threat to PdV core operations

摘要

Venezuelan state-owned PdV’s operations will suffer significant disruptions and potential structural damage if a prolonged drought forces state-owned utility Corpoelec to idle up to 6GW of hydropower generation capacity this month. Corpoelec’s operational capacity could drop from about 17GW to as low as 11GW if the strategic Guri reservoir’s water level drops below 240m above sea level, triggering security protocols that could shut down up to eight turbines at the 10GW Simon Bolivar hydroelectric complex on the Lower Caroni River in Bolivar state. The reservoir is at around 241.6 masl, with some recent rainfall stabilizing the level. Guri normally accounts for over 60pc of Venezuelan power supply.