Classes closed as enegy crisis escalates

CLASSES at all levels in schools and universities, public and private, will be closed for three days from Wednesday May 8 to save electricity

As the crisis escalates the government is striving to avoid country wide blackouts by instituting emergency measures.
The schools closing was announced on Tuesday, and airc onditioners in government offices will e turned off. Government work days have been reduced to six hours from 7.30 am to 1.30 pm.
Commercial offices have been asked to turn off air conditioners from 11am to 3 pm.
Besides keeping the hours of 7:30 am to 1:30 pm in public entities with the intent to save electricity. It was also decided the off air conditioners in government offices and it is recommended to apply this measure in the commercial sector from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.
The crisis has been created by lack of rainfall in areas where hydro electric generators operate.
Minister of The Presidency Roberto Henriquez, said in a press conference this afternoon that these measures will prevent cuts in electricity distribution.
Henriquez said that if, starting Wednesday all Panamanians do their part "with the arrival of rain and the restarting of two thermoelectric generators, which are undergoing repair, classes could restart next week.
The reduced rainfall will continue for a few more days aid Henriquez and the government has called for the country's citizens reduce electricity consumption.

According to the Hydrometeorological Administration National Dispatch Center, the current dry season is one of the hardest to have hit the country.
Climate change recorded in the region has effected temperatures and brought about a significant drop in rainfall needed to maintain the reservoirs for hydroelectric generation at optimal levels.