Argentina: 190,000 affected by power outages in heat wave

Buenos Aires, Feb 19: A heat wave has led Argentina's government to schedule two days of power cuts in Buenos Aires and surrounding areas. Some 190,000 electricity customers were affected by yesterday's outages. More cuts are expected today.

The planned electricity outages were ordered after citizens protested erratic power supply during the heat wave. Power outages are common in Argentina during the South American summer when temperatures can soar above 93 degrees (34 Celsius) and air conditioners are widely used.

Argentina's energy ministry says the government is evaluating compensating affected users. The government of President Mauricio Macri blames the previous administration, saying energy subsidies and price freezes left the energy industry unprofitable and caused weaknesses in the power grid. Stock prices for utilities have shot up since Macri recently ended utility subsidies.

AP