The U.S. Embassy in Caracas met with Rolando Alcalá, the Electric Power Minister of Venezuela's interim government, on Thursday to push forward efforts to rebuild the nation's power grid. This was shared via a post on the embassy's X account.
Signed with the initials "JB," the message highlights that this meeting is part of a three-phase strategy initiated by President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The plan aims to "restore a reliable energy supply through expertise, investment, and collaboration with the U.S."
Unveiled by Rubio in January 2026, the strategy includes three phases: stabilization, recovery, and reconstruction, with an open invitation to foreign investment in critical infrastructure. The electrical grid is a focal point in the second phase.
This engagement comes amid a severe crisis. On May 7, Venezuela's electricity demand surged to 15,570 megawatts, the highest in nine years, while less than 40% of the country's generation capacity is operational.
The Zulia state, home to cities like Maracaibo, endures power outages lasting six to eight hours daily, and some communities have faced five to six consecutive days without electricity or water. The U.S. Department of Energy described Venezuela's power grid as "degraded and fragile" due to years of neglect, corruption, and underinvestment by the Chavista regime.
Restoring the electrical sector could require up to $13 billion in the first three years, according to Americas Quarterly. The plan involves rehabilitating hydroelectric and thermoelectric plants, replacing transformers and transmission lines, and supplying light crude oil from the United States.
This meeting follows a series of high-level bilateral engagements since Nicolás Maduro's capture on January 3, 2026. Energy Secretary Chris Wright visited Venezuela on February 11, signing a long-term energy agreement with Delcy Rodríguez at the Miraflores Palace. Later, General Francis L. Donovan, head of the Southern Command, visited the country on February 18 and 19, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum arrived in Caracas on March 4 to assess the mining sector.
Last Tuesday, the embassy also met with the interim government's Minister of Transportation, underscoring the rapid pace of diplomatic engagements across various sectors of the Venezuelan economy.
According to the Department of Energy, all projects will be "funded and directly overseen by the United States, which will maintain full control over Venezuela's oil revenues to ensure transparency and integrity in the use of funds."
Key Details on the U.S. and Venezuela Electrical Grid Plan
What are the main phases of the electrical grid reconstruction plan?
The plan includes three phases: stabilization, recovery, and reconstruction, with a focus on inviting foreign investment in critical infrastructure.
How much investment is required to restore Venezuela's electrical sector?
Restoration of the electrical sector might require up to $13 billion over the first three years.
What recent diplomatic engagements have occurred between the U.S. and Venezuela?
There have been several high-level meetings, including visits from U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Southern Command head General Francis L. Donovan.