Government announces measures to manage energy crisis

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SANTIAGO. - The government announced a plan involving three measures that will be taken in order to avoid electrical supply cuts during March.

The measures announced by Minister of Energy Marcelo Tokman include voltage reduction, prolonged daylight savings until the last Saturday in March and flexibility in water-use agreements.

Voltage reduction by way of a preventative rationing is one operational measure that can be taken by distributing companies.  The government stated that the reduction will not affect the operation of electrical and household appliances.

Minister Tokman pointed out that voltage reduction is not rationing of electricity, but rather a measure to avoid it.

Concerning the second measure, the Interior Ministry has decided to extend the summer daylight savings schedule until the last Saturday in March, a month forecasted to have the highest consumption rate.

The third measure plans to adjust the use of water resources beginning on February 15th, to allow for more abundant reserves and security margins.