Venezuela Partners with General Electric to Rebuild Power Grid

Tue Jun 16 2026 22:27:52 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Venezuela signs agreement with U.S. energy giant General Electric to upgrade its electricity network, a move aimed at ending prolonged outages and supporting climate resilience.

Venezuela's interim president Delcy Rodríguez has signed a deal with General Electric to overhaul the country’s aging power grid. The agreement signals a shift toward opening the economy to U.S. investors after years of state‑run infrastructure under Maduro. Venezuela has endured crippling power cuts, driven by underinvestment and high demand. Rebuilding the grid could cut outages, improve energy security, and support the country’s broader climate‑action goals.

Venezuela Partners with General Electric to Rebuild Power Grid

Power lines over a billboard calling for the release of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro

On Monday, Venezuela’s interim president Delcy Rodríguez announced that her government had entered into an agreement with General Electric, the U.S. energy conglomerate, to revamp the nation’s electricity grid. The deal is seen as a decisive step toward ending the chronic power cuts that have marked the country for years.

Venezuela’s electric infrastructure, nationalised in 2007 under Hugo Chávez, has long been plagued by underinvestment and maintenance deficits. Power outages of up to ten hours are common, affecting Caracas and other major cities. The Guri hydroelectric dam—once a primary source of energy—has been floundering, partly due to drought and insufficient repair work.

The partnership marks a noticeable shift from the previous administration’s stance, as Rodríguez has opened the economy to foreign investment. Energy Minister Rolando Alcalá, who joined the cabinet three months ago, said the collaboration will help Bolivia‑upstate the grid, reducing outages and raising energy security.

While critics warn that many state institutions remain under the current party’s influence, the agreement still carries significant promise. It not only signals improved infrastructure but also a potential foundation for broader economic recovery, making Venezuela more attractive to international investors committed to green, reliable power.