CARACAS, Venezuela, Feb. 10 (UPI) -- Colombian gas exports to Venezuela collapsed in January, complicating an energy emergency declared by Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez.
U.S. supermajor Chevron said Colombian gas exports to Venezuela fell from 179 million cubic feet per day in January 2009 to just 60 million cubic feet per day in 2010.
Colombian demand for conventional energy resources has surged as regional drought decreases productivity from the country's hydroelectric plants. Authorities in Colombia have enacted a rationing plan in order to conserve energy, Venezuela's El Universal newspaper reports.
Chavez this week signed a formal electricity emergency as the country wrestles with roaming blackouts.
The Venezuelan president said in a radio address that chronic drought was influencing the hydroelectric power capacity for his country, describing the situation as "an emergency."
The decline in Colombian gas exports could create additional problems as residents struggle with power outages lasting at least seven hours.
Consumers during the Venezuelan emergency face stiff penalties if they use more than 500 kilowatt-hours per month. Discounts are available for low-energy consumers.
