Drought Causes Energy Crises in Panama

Yesterday, Tuesday May 7 2013, Panama’s cabinet approved a resolution to relieve the recent energy crisis caused by the lack of rain in Panama. The Cabinet had initially discussed the closure of schools and universities for three days, in order to reduced power usage.   The final resolution came to also include the closure of supermarkets, cinemas, bars, casinos and nightclubs, Monday through Thursday from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. This effort to reduce power consumption will come into effect today, Wednesday May 8 2013. As off today it is also ordered that air conditioners in public offices and the commercial sector are turned off between the hours of 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The energy shortage is in direct correlation with the late arrival of rainy season, which has affected the agricultural sector greatly. The cabinet has declared a state of emergency in Cocle, Veraguas, Los Santos and Herrera. The lack of water has left cattle in desperate conditions, and has caused serious set backs for agricultural production.