Massive Power Outage in Buenos Aires Affects Over 600,000 Customers

A power outage in Buenos Aires on March 5, 2025, affected over 600,000 customers and halted subway services, stranding passengers. The blackout was triggered by a failure in a high-voltage power line, coinciding with a severe heat wave. Municipal authorities were forced to deploy traffic officers due to disrupted traffic flow and halted public transport. The incident reflects ongoing challenges in Argentina’s energy infrastructure amid recent changes in utility pricing and investment efforts.

A significant power outage in Buenos Aires left over 600,000 customers without electricity, disrupting daily activities and transportation in the city. This incident unfolded on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at 12:40 p.m., following a prior outage earlier in the day. The Secretariat of Energy indicated that the blackout resulted from the failure of a high-voltage power line amid an intense summer heat wave.

The outage was exacerbated by heightened electricity demands due to a soaring heat index, which reached 42 degrees Celsius (107.6 degrees Fahrenheit). Edesur, the electricity firm servicing parts of Buenos Aires, reported that the blackout affected several substations and its technicians were actively engaged in efforts to restore power.

Local authorities confirmed that all subway services were halted in both directions, and 50 traffic lights ceased operation, creating chaotic conditions especially in central and southern Buenos Aires. In response, numerous traffic officers were deployed to manage the situation and assist those stranded in elevators.

By Wednesday afternoon, service was restored on most train lines, but pedestrians faced difficulties along Avenida 9 de Julio, a major thoroughfare congested with traffic. In Argentina, such blackouts are commonplace, particularly during peak demand periods like the summer months, due to a history of minimal investment in the electricity sector.

Previous administrations had effectively frozen electricity prices, leading to deteriorating infrastructure. However, the current administration under President Javier Milei has increased utility rates and aimed to attract foreign investment for substantial energy projects, signaling a shift in approach to the energy crisis that has plagued the country.

The recent power outage in Buenos Aires highlights the vulnerabilities within the city’s electricity infrastructure, exacerbated by a demanding heat wave. With over 600,000 customers affected and significant disruptions in public transportation, the incident underscores the consequences of insufficient investment in the sector. The changes under President Javier Milei’s administration could potentially address these issues by attracting the necessary funding for improvements, yet the ongoing challenges remain a critical concern for residents.

Original Source: apnews.com