April showers bring May power

I was in Panama last week, where there is a serious power crisis.  This is because the majority of the country's power is hydroelectric, but the rainy season has started later than usual in Panama and the water reserves are getting low.

Last week traffic was messier than usual because the government changed its office hours, meaning people were commuting at different times.  Friday the my company's country manager declared that anyone could work from home if they were equipped to do so, and that they would run the air conditioner in the office only sparingly.  Result: at 11am it was 79F in the office.  Fortunately they relented later and turned the A/C on to let things cool down before they shut it off again.

From a travel update through American Express:

Government officials ordered three of Panama's largest hydroelectric plants to close May 12 to save energy. The plants will remain closed until further notice. Electricity is being provided to the country through thermal power plants and smaller hydroelectric plants.

Obligatory energy-saving practices are still in effect, including the following:

• Supermarkets, casinos, bars, nightclubs, and theaters must close 2200-0600 daily
• Government offices continue to operate on a limited schedule (0730-1330)
• Air conditioning in government offices and commercial facilities must be turned off 1100-1500 daily
• Public and private schools are open, but must not use air conditioning or non-essential lights
• Private businesses must not use air conditioning between 0800 and 1600
• All electronic store signs may only be turned on 1800-2200
• Businesses with private energy sources such as fuel-powered generators can continue to use appliances at will