Venezuela’s acting president, Delcy Rodríguez, has appointed Juan Crisóstomo Fernández as the new president of Corpoelec, the state electric corporation. The announcement came on August 8, exactly one week after Rodríguez urged citizens to conserve electricity.
Fernández brings twenty-seven years of experience at Corpoelec. According to the official statement published on Instagram, he offers ‘his experience and commitment to the strengthening and improvement of this essential service for the Venezuelan people.’
The engineer replaces José Luis Betancourt, who will now serve as vice minister of Electric Services. The ministry indicated that Betancourt will be tasked with strengthening the team responsible for promoting ‘this strategic task for the country.’
The leadership change comes amid a challenging climate scenario. On August 2, Rodríguez asked the nation to save electricity and water in the face of the ‘Super Niño’ climate phenomenon, a colloquial term for a highly intense El Niño episode. She also announced a plan to add 4,800 megawatts (MW) to the electrical system for the remainder of the year.
Rodríguez said she requested ‘specific plans’ to address rising temperatures and reduced water sources, including incorporating 4,800 MW into thermoelectric generation. The move aims to bolster the grid as the climate phenomenon strains hydroelectric capacity.
This week, the US Chargé d’affaires in Venezuela, John Barrett, reported that a team of technical experts from the US Department of Energy conducted a diagnostic of the country’s main hydroelectric plant. The goal is to define a roadmap for modernizing the electrical system.
The appointment of Fernández signals continuity and technical expertise at the helm of Corpoelec. With decades inside the corporation, he is expected to steer the entity through the current energy challenges.
Venezuela’s government has prioritized energy sovereignty and resilience, especially as climate events test infrastructure. The new leadership aims to stabilize supply and improve service for the population.
Observers will watch how the collaboration with US technical experts unfolds, given the broader geopolitical context. For now, the focus remains on practical measures to keep the lights on.
As the ‘Super Niño’ persists, the government’s strategy combines conservation appeals with infrastructure investment. The addition of 4,800 MW is a key pillar of that plan.
Fernández’s mandate begins immediately, with expectations high for tangible improvements in electricity delivery. The coming months will reveal the effectiveness of these measures.
According to telesurenglish.net, the official statement highlighted Fernández’s commitment to the ‘strengthening and improvement’ of the service. His long tenure suggests a deep understanding of the system’s intricacies.
The transition also reflects a broader effort to reorganize the energy sector. Betancourt’s new role as vice minister indicates a focus on strategic oversight.
Venezuela’s energy policy remains a cornerstone of its development agenda. The government continues to invest in thermoelectric generation to complement hydroelectric sources.
As the country navigates the climate challenge, international cooperation and domestic expertise will be crucial. The new Corpoelec leadership is now at the forefront of this effort.