"President Nicolas Maduro announced the state of emergency in Venezuela ... This is very important for us to take necessary measures to stabilize the (electricity) sector," Venezuelan Vice President Jorge Arreaza said in a statement.
Arreaza added that the authorities "have to guarantee power supply" and are willing to work for the resolution of the country` s "energy problem."
Under the state of emergency, Venezuela`s state-owned electricity company Corpoelec "can conclude agreements with independent national or foreign suppliers" to "acquire goods and services," according to the presidential decree.
It also orders enhanced security at all power installations across the country.
The decree is part of an "Electricity Mission" announced recently by Maduro, a seven-point action plan for the stabilization of the power sector, which also includes promoting a power-saving culture among the public and adjusting power charges on private users.
Power blackouts are common in Venezuela. While the government blames them on sabotage and excessive consumption, the opposition says the power sector has been poorly managed and inefficient since it was nationalized.
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