Italy Mulls Emergency Moves as Po Shrivels

Italy is mulling emergency measures to replenish its biggest river and curb electricity consumption as unusually hot weather raises fears of a prolonged drought and power blackouts during the summer.

The measures were discussed at a meeting between the industry ministry, the national electricity grid, regional officials and emergency services on Monday, a source who took part in the talks told Reuters.
Environment Minister Alfonso Pecoraro Scanio said he would ask a cabinet meeting on Tuesday to declare a state of emergency.

“The drought crisis must be dealt with without delay and in a rational way,” Pecoraro said.

Among the measures considered is filling up the Po river, whose levels have been dropping sharply in the past few weeks, with controlled water flows from big lakes and reservoirs in the Alps, even though that is not expected to bring it back to normal levels.

To minimise the risk of blackouts caused by millions of people cranking up air conditioners, the government may also implement accords that allow supplies to some industrial clients to be temporarily interrupted, and raise electricity imports.

Around 15 percent of Italy’s electricity is produced from hydro generation. Water supplies are also essential for colling down thermoelectric plants.

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