Venezuela Establishes Strategic Alliances with Four International Companies to Restore the National Electric System
Banca y Negocios reported that power rationing has increased sharply across Venezuela, with daily blackouts now reaching six to eight hours in numerous states and more than 10 hours in some rural areas. The deterioration comes as electricity demand reached 16,030 MW—the highest level reported in nine years—while Corpoelec’s generation deficit may now exceed 3,000 MW. Guri recently lost additional capacity. Unit 17 at the Simón Bolívar Hydroelectric Plant went offline on August 29. 770 MW. LINK
Oil Executives Worried Over Lack of Essential Element for Venezuela Expansion: Power
Deisy Buitrago and Vivian Sequera at Reuters Venezuela’s unreliable electricity supply is threatening plans to expand its oil and gas industry. The country faces an electricity deficit exceeding 1,500 megawatts, while only 40% of its installed generation capacity is available. Executives warn that energy projects cannot advance without improvements to the power grid. CAF estimates that rehabilitating and automating the electricity system will require $5 billion. Although the government targets restoring 4,800 MW by year-end, experts question whether this goal is achievable.LINK
US’s Chevron, Italy’s Eni to Expand Oil Projects in Venezuela
Al Jazeera Staff, AFP, and Reuters Chevron and Italy’s Eni have signed agreements to expand their Venezuelan oil operations, while GE Vernova will help repair the country’s electricity grid. Chevron plans to invest $7 billion to develop two additional fields in the Orinoco Belt, aiming to more than double output within five years. Eni secured exclusive exploration rights for the Junín 5 oilfield. The agreements form part of broader efforts to attract foreign investment, increase oil production, and rehabilitate Venezuela’s energy infrastructure. LINK
Fedecámaras Calls for Tax and Public Service Reforms to Support Recovery After Earthquakes
Kemberlyn Talero at El Pitazo Fedecámaras urged Venezuela’s government to review taxes and improve public services to support economic recovery following recent earthquakes. The business association identified high tax burdens, operating costs, and unreliable electricity as major obstacles to private-sector competitiveness. It is also developing employment initiatives for displaced workers and partnerships with CAF and industry chambers to support infrastructure reconstruction. Although many productive facilities remain operational, the organization emphasizes that economic recovery requires better business conditions, reliable energy, and coordinated investment. LINK
Venezuela’s Electricity Reform: What Could Change Under the New Law
El Interés editorial team at El Estímulo Venezuela’s proposed electricity law would open generation, transmission, distribution, and commercialization to private companies through concessions lasting up to 40 years. The reform also proposes compensation for consumers affected by power outages, requires large industries and shopping centers to develop independent electricity supplies, and offers potential tax incentives for strategic investments and renewable energy. The legislation aims to modernize the sector and attract capital, although it must complete public consultation and further legislative approval before implementation.LINK.
Venezuela Opens Debate on an Oil Sector Overhaul as Trump Seeks Role for US Firms
Regina Garcia Cano at AP Venezuela’s National Assembly advanced legislation to reform the oil sector, opening greater opportunities for private and foreign investment. The proposal would allow companies to independently operate oil fields, sell crude, and resolve disputes through international arbitration. It also includes potential reductions in royalties and extraction taxes to attract investment. The reform seeks to increase production and revive the economy, but investors remain concerned about political uncertainty, past expropriations, and unresolved U.S. sanctions. LINK
Public Service Failures Affected 91% of Businesses, Fedecámaras Reports
Juan Carlos Salas at Crónica Uno Failures in public services, particularly electricity outages, affected 91% of Venezuelan businesses, according to Fedecámaras’ second-quarter 2026 survey. The report highlights how unreliable infrastructure limits private-sector productivity alongside currency exchange disparities and restricted access to financing. Some industries recorded modest growth, including construction and manufacturing, but 70% of surveyed business associations reported that their companies operated below capacity. These findings underscore the need for reliable electricity and infrastructure investment to support Venezuela’s economic recovery. LINK.
ABOUT THE GLOBAL MEDIA SCAN:
Nearly 100 content sources are scanned daily to identify stories relevant to the rebuilding of Venezuela. Focus on Spanish language and little known publications and journalists that we believe have unique insights who are very close to what’s happening. We welcome submissions from citizen journalists. Submit ideas to:
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