Argentina To Unveil Strict New Power Saving Plan Friday

BUENOS AIRES -(Dow Jones)- The Argentine government will on Friday announce sweeping new measures to reduce power consumption to head off a possible crisis in the coming summer months, an industry official said Thursday.

The key elements involve strict limits on power usage in state-owned buildings and public spaces and a nationwide incentive plan to exchange low-usage light bulbs for regular ones.


The plan, details of which were revealed in La Nacion newspaper Thursday, will come into effect immediately after the planned announcement, said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity. A government decree is also expected Friday.

Press officials from the Energy Secretariat said they did not have any information to share on the matter. La Nacion described it as a top secret plan.

The industry official said public buildings will be required to turn their power off completely at 6 p.m. every day in all but the most essential areas and services. Meanwhile, light usage in public places will be reduced considerably.

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