SANTIAGO, Chile, Feb 29, 2008 -- UPI

Chile faces the prospect of electrical power rationing in the South American nation for the first time in a decade, it was reported Friday.

The Economy Ministry has issued a plan to deal with the country's increasingly tight energy situation, The Santiago Times reported in an article translated by Mercopress. The plan outlines 30 measures that could be enacted this year, including the possibility of rationing electricity following a 36-hour warning. Rationing is a step Chilean President Michelle Bachelet is trying to avoid, the Times said.

"The goal is to reduce the effects (of potential energy shortages) on consumers, encourage voluntary energy conservation, and minimize the economic burden of energy deficits on the country," Energy Minister Marcelo Tokman said.

Chilean officials already reduced electrical voltage for distribution to urban areas by 10 percent. In April, they plan to begin regulating the use of water for hydroelectric purposes because of worsening drought conditions, the newspaper said.

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