This cartoon appeared in El Dia, July 29 , 2011. The vice-minister of hydrocarbons and energy is saying “All is under control, for now.” While in the back you see many candlelight; in other cartoons the shape of his head were more like a light bulb.
Bolivia will probably face some cuts in energy in the remaining of the year; there may not be sufficient reserves and the private sector has expressed their concern as it will affect their production. Last week they were practically “invited” to cut their demand for energy, something that is hard to do as there are production plans and harvests that need processing.
This government official explained this probable shortage as caused by three reasons: 1) Lack of investment in electric generating projects during previous “capitalist” governments, only $51.6 million dollars were invested between 2001 and 2005. 2) The nationalization of the hydrocarbon industry, policy that allowed national, regional and local governments to increase their budget and to increase the coverage of the electric service. 3) The failure of Guaracachi, that should have inserted 82MW (mega watts) to the National Grid, earlier this year. He also said that in the case there would be shortage in the supply of energy, Supreme Decree 934 establishes restrictions to all consumers, proportionally.
An optimistc 47MW will be added shortly… government says…
http://www.la-razon.com/version.php?ArticleId=134625&EditionId=2605
Bolivian Thoughts | Pensamientos Bolivianos (Bilingual/Bilingüe) 