Heat waves, droughts, and other weather and climate phenomena; economic woes; aging or inadequate infrastructure; fuel shortages. These are some of the most obvious causes that have led to record peaks in power demand or sudden drops in available capacity. The results have been sometimes debilitating load-shedding, brownouts, and blackouts around the globe this summer (and, in some cases, much longer). Here's a detailed look at which countries have been affected. (For the illustrated overview, see the
September issue.)
Argentina
Argentina, South America's second- largest economy, has tightened power supplies and is rationing natural gas as winter in the Southern Hemisphere boosts demand. The country has experienced a seven-year shortage of the fuel.
Supplies to industries have been cut and "will return to normal once the current cold wave is over," Planning Minister Julio De Vido was quoted as saying in a statement on the presidential
website this July. Companies could avoid being subject to rationing by agreeing to pay higher prices, he said.
Australia
The mining boom in Western Australia could increase power demand and cause domestic power shortages unless the state government provides additional infrastructure, news media
have widely reported.Earlier this year, nearly 150,000 homes were without power for as long as three weeks when widespread floods ravaged Queensland.
Bahamas
The Bahamas Electricity Corp. has been forced to implement rolling blackouts after three generators failed this summer. The company has blamed the failing units on a lack of maintenance stemming from its strained financial situation, reported
The Nassau Guardian in August. The shortages were felt as demand surged amid record summer heat.
Bangladesh
Despite increased foreign investment, Bangladesh suffers inadequate infrastructure, and power production continues to
lag behind growing demand. The country's current demand is 6000 MW while actual capacity varies at 4200 MW and 4800 MW. The gap has been attributed to a gas shortage.
The current administration has added a total of 1922 MW since coming into office in 2009, and it plans to increase capacity to around 7000 MW by 2013.
Bolivia
Bolivia's state-owned power company Empresa Nacional de Electricidad (ENDE) in July warned power supplies had become increasingly tight as demand outpaced supply and reserve capacities
had dipped to around 16%. The power situation, attributed primarily to a lack of infrastructure, has been exacerbated by a long drought.
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