Thursday, 17 December 2015. The new Argentine president Mauricio Macri, decreed this Tuesday an emergency of the electrical system of the country; after stating that the energy distribution networks are on the brink to collapse.
Later, in a press conference at Government House, Mines and Energy Minister Juan José Aranguren; calmed the population by saying that this was not to be alarmed, but it was necessary to implement immediate measures to resolve this electrical problem that faces the country. Such prevention will be valid until 31 December 2017.
The current problems of the electrical supply began with the governments of Cristina Kirchner, due to the historical record of industrial, commercial and household demand that the companies were not able to cover because of the lack of investment. Aranguren said that the problem does not lie in the area of electricity generation, but in the system of distribution of this, since the equipment intended for this purpose are very old and of low levels of reserves.
One of the measures that the Government intends to implement are the possible cuts of electrical service, but he said that these would not be massive in the entire country, and neither would be scheduled. These cuts probably will be limited to the capital and its surroundings. The fact that these power cuts are not scheduled will be linked to the repair, that both need the energy distribution system.
On the other hand, there are no plans to cancel evening shows or lights in public spaces for the moment, since the main cause of this problem is the indiscriminate use of air conditioners.
It is expected an eventual elimination of subsidies and the consequent increase in electricity and gas tariffs, but no more details were given. Aranguren in turn, and very ambiguous way only limited himself to say that to be necessary for an increase in tariff, it will be made gradually. In this context it is necessary to highlight that in Argentina there is a subsidy program to the house value of the electric power that benefits low-income sectors and also covers middle-class users.
It is also a priority to start with campaigns to sensitize the population about the rational and responsible use of electric power, as this is everybody’s problem. These measures have already given of what to talk, because many critics claim by social networks that all this is just an excuse to eliminate subsidies of the gas and electricity; and start with the tariff plan.
In the following YouTube video channel Telam, the Minister of Energy and Mines, explains the situation of the electrical system in his country and what are some of the relevant measures.
ALFA