Guri plant failure knocks 1,200 MW off Venezuela's power grid

A unit at the Guri hydroelectric dam's Unit 17 failed, and the national grid lost 1,200 megawatts, according to El Pitazo, which cited estimates that repairs could take up to two years. The outlet reported blackouts and power fluctuations in several states in the days before, according to Lapatilla.

On El Pitazo's program, the electrical engineer interviewed said the situation reflects "the most dysfunctional management in the history of Venezuela's electric sector" and questioned whether announced investments in the sector will reach households or only oil production.

«This is the most dysfunctional management in the history of Venezuela's electric sector.»— El Pitazo, September 15, 2026 · watch