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

A power outage in Buenos Aires on March 5, 2025, left over 600,000 customers without electricity, as a high-voltage line failed amidst a summer heatwave. Subways ceased operations, traffic lights failed, and chaos ensued in the city. Although service resumed later, the incident highlighted the ongoing challenges in Argentina’s electricity sector and the need for investment in infrastructure.

On Wednesday, March 5, 2025, Buenos Aires experienced a significant power outage affecting over 622,000 customers, attributed to a sudden failure of a high-voltage power line. This incident occurred just hours after the city had restored service from an earlier morning outage during an ongoing summer heatwave that intensified electricity demand, straining the local power grid.

As temperatures soared, reaching a heat index of 42 degrees Celsius (107.6 degrees Fahrenheit), the blackout disrupted vital services. The outage led to the failure of several substations and suspended subway operations in both directions, affecting downtown traffic as 50 stoplights went dark, necessitating the deployment of hundreds of traffic police.

Despite the chaos, subway service resumed in the afternoon, although two lines remained down. Emergency personnel were dispatched to assist trapped individuals in elevators, while pedestrians endured extreme heat on congested sidewalks, particularly along the busy Avenida 9 de Julio.

Power outages are a common occurrence in Argentina, particularly during times of high demand, such as the peak of summer. The country has faced challenges in the electricity sector due to years of price controls under previous administrations, which dissuaded investment. In contrast, under the current administration led by President Javier Milei, utility rates have increased, aimed at attracting foreign investment for significant energy infrastructure projects.

The recent power outage in Buenos Aires has underscored the vulnerabilities in the city’s electricity infrastructure, particularly during extreme heat conditions. With over 622,000 customers affected, the incident revealed the strain on the local power grid and the need for substantial investment in energy resources. As Argentina navigates its energy policies, the balance between managing prices and attracting investment will be crucial for enhancing the resilience of its electric supply.

Original Source: apnews.com