CRITICAL

Venezuela Makes Every Friday a Holiday to Save Energy

As drought hampers electricity production.

Venezuela President Nicolas Madura has designated every Friday for both April and May a non-working holiday in an effort to conserve electricity while a drought pushes water levels critically lower. The government may have to shut down its hydroelectric plant to avoid damaging turbines if water levels at the dam fall below 787 feet above sea level; the level is currently around 797 feet. Maduro said on Wednesday: “This plan for 60 days, for two months, will allow the country to get through the most difficult period with the most risk. I call on families, on the youth, to join this plan with discipline, with conscience and extreme collaboration to confront this extreme situation.” Officials are also requesting that some heavier industries cut their electricity usage by as much as 20 percent.