Venezuela is grappling with a severe and worsening electricity crisis, characterized by daily, unscheduled power outages that can last up to seven hours in cities like Maracaibo and Mérida. These blackouts, which became more frequent again in February 2026 after a period of apparent stabilization in 2025, are attributed by the government to increased demand due to high temperatures and economic growth, although critics point to years of underinvestment, corruption, and mismanagement. The government reported a "milestone" in electricity demand on May 7, reaching 15,570 megawatts, the highest in nine years, and is implementing "maneuvers" to stabilize the system.
The economic consequences are dire, especially for small businesses. In Zulia, where 60% of businesses had closed in 2022 due to the crisis, the figure had only slightly improved to 40% in 2025. While medium and large companies can afford alternative power systems, this is not an option for smaller enterprises. A survey by the Maracaibo Chamber of Commerce indicated that over 90% of consulted businesses consider the electricity crisis their primary concern, leading to significant losses and operational paralysis.
The widespread power failures are generating significant public discontent and protests. Residents, particularly in western cities most affected by the outages, express frustration over the unpredictable nature of the cuts. Even Caracas, traditionally spared from prolonged blackouts, now experiences almost daily voltage fluctuations. Previous nationwide blackouts have led to public desperation, with people lining up for water and fuel, and protests erupting in neighborhoods. The government often blames these incidents on "sabotage," while the opposition and experts attribute them to a crumbling infrastructure.
Historically, Venezuela has faced severe power issues, with a major nationwide blackout in 2019 lasting several days, leading to humanitarian concerns, including patient deaths in hospitals and spoiled food. During that time, 17 patients died due to lack of power or malfunctioning backup generators. The crisis has also impacted the country's vital oil production, with fields in western Zulia state, which rely on the national grid, being particularly vulnerable. While some joint ventures with foreign partners have their own generators, the overall instability poses a threat to the nation's primary source of export earnings.
