Argentina is preparing for scheduled power outages this summer as an increase in electricity demand is anticipated due to expected high temperatures. Chief of Staff Guillermo Francos warned that years of underinvestment in the energy sector have left the grid unable to handle expected consumption spikes, especially during the summer months when air conditioning use skyrockets.
The forecast for an unusually hot and dry summer, compounded by the La Niña climate phenomenon, will put further pressure on the country’s already strained energy infrastructure. Francos highlighted that despite recent increases in electricity rates aimed at reducing government subsidies, underlying problems in the electricity grid remain unresolved. Argentina continues to face limitations in its high-voltage transmission capacity, which is crucial to expanding power generation and ensuring reliable supply.
The government plans to mitigate potential energy shortages by negotiating agreements with industrial users, similar to measures taken during past natural gas supply crises. This will involve distributing power outages strategically to avoid a complete overload of the network. Francos stressed that these temporary measures are necessary due to the lack of investment in energy generation in recent years.
Energy Secretary Daniel González Casartelli shared these concerns, noting that the government is already working on short-term solutions to manage next summer. However, he also noted that long-term improvements to Argentina’s energy infrastructure will take time and require significant investment. The government seeks to balance immediate needs with long-term planning, focusing on the potential of the Vaca Muerta field as a future energy resource.
As Argentina prepares for a difficult summer, officials are focused on avoiding widespread blackouts while addressing structural problems that have plagued the country’s energy sector for years.
