Panama rations power because of drought
Panama takes measure to save power as drought hits output of its hydroelectric plants
PANAMA CITY (AP) -- The Panama Canal Authority says it has adopted several water-saving measures to help save energy as the Central American country faces a power shortage because of a lack of rain.
Panama gets about 60 percent of its energy from hydroelectric plants that have been hard hit by drought.
The authority says in a Wednesday statement that it has suspended use of hydraulic assistance to help push ships out as they leave locks. It also says it will put two ships in a lock at a time rather than one.
Panama authorities on Tuesday declared a state of emergency in some regions affected by drought and ordered several energy-saving measures, including closing public schools for three days and shortening hours at government offices.