Venezuelan power distribution grid works with 10-30% overload

[naaman fletcher]

El Universal: Venezuela's power grid has been recently hit by a number of electrical failures. The most recent events are related with explosions and fires in distribution networks, substations and transformers.

Many likely reasons are behind power outages, which show the system's vulnerability. "The power grid operates with a 10-30% overload," said José Manuel Aller, an academic expert at Simon Bolívar University.

According to the expert and professor in power generation, substations should operate or facilitate the transport of energy, in accordance with international standards (up to 80%). However, they are working at 110% or even 130% in the eastern region of the country, particularly in the states of Anzoategui and Sucre. This means that "the rated limits have been exceeded," Aller added.

The expert stressed that electric equipments are worn out and there are no laboratories to check them.

http://www.vheadline.com/readnews.asp?id=96500

If this is true then Chavez has mismanaged the electric grid and under-invested in its infrastructure. Therefore, this professor must be in the opposition and is making this up.

[CJvR]

1. Overloading.

Nothing beats the old copper nail in the fuse box...
Should also mean lots of losses in the system, not exactly ideal in a power shortage situation.