Venezuela rations energy

Venezuela has imposed electricity rationing to try to avert widespread blackouts in the coming months.



The government is limiting the hours that shopping malls can use electricity, and businesses and large housing complexes are required to cut back or be penalized.



Angel Rodriguez, the Electricity Minister, said the measures are aimed at keeping Venezuela\'s largest dam from failing because of a prolonged drought as the country enters the dry season.



For many years, blackouts have been a problem in parts of Venezuela