Erratic power outages reported in much of Venezuela
CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — Erratic power outages were reported in Venezuela’s capital and several states Monday evening.
The nation’s state electrical company said on Twitter that “an event in the electrical system” had affected power in parts of Caracas as well as states to the west.
No further details were provided.
On social media, some Venezuelans said the lights had flickered on and off several times while in other areas they were still in the dark. Corpoelec later said power had been restored in 90% of Caracas.
Internet monitoring organization NetBlocks reported that over a dozen states had experienced some degree of outage, with the electrical service being temporarily restored and then going off before turning back on again.
“Venezuela’s power fluctuations continue as of 10 p.m. local time, with a double dip now experienced in most states,” the service said.
Power outages have become frequent in Venezuela, and some states, particularly those in western Venezuela, regularly experience prolonged blackouts. In 2019, a nationwide blackout left millions without power for a week.
Former electrical company workers, experts and opposition leaders blame President Nicolás Maduro for failing to maintain the nation’s grid. The socialist leader, meanwhile, often claims the outages are attacks to force him from power.
