A severe heatwave across South America has placed heavy strain on power grids in Argentina and Chile, with record high temperatures driving electricity demand to critical levels. Authorities in both countries reported localized blackouts and warned of further disruptions as cooling needs surged.
In Argentina, energy officials said air conditioning use pushed consumption beyond forecast levels, forcing emergency measures to stabilize the grid. Some neighborhoods experienced temporary outages as operators worked to balance supply and demand during peak hours.
Chile faced similar challenges, with grid operators activating contingency plans to prevent widespread failures. Officials urged residents to reduce electricity use during peak periods, while emergency generators were deployed in sensitive facilities such as hospitals and water treatment plants.
Meteorological agencies said the heatwave is among the most intense in recent years, affecting major urban centers and agricultural regions. High nighttime temperatures also limited grid recovery, increasing pressure on energy infrastructure.
Governments in both countries said they are reviewing longer term measures to strengthen power resilience, including investment in renewable energy and grid modernization. The heatwave has renewed concerns about climate extremes and infrastructure preparedness across the region.
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