BRIEFS. electricity

Water levels still critically low

The recent rainfall has not been enough to improve the level of Panama's two primary hydroelectric reservoirs, meaning that the government will continue its special office hours to conserve energy.

"We had some rain, but not as much as we expected," said Blas Córdoba, a meteorologist with Empresa de Transmisión Eléctrica S.A. (ETESA). "The lakes are still at levels that are below our expectations."

At Fortuna Lake, in Chiriquí, the lake level rose slightly between Friday and Saturday from 1,013 meters above sea level to 1,015 meters. Meanwhile, Bayano Lake's level remained virtually unchanged over the weekend, holding at 53.6 meters. Both lakes are near the point where they can not provide hydroelectric power.

Panama produces 60 percent of its electricity from hydro, and 80 percent of that total comes from Fortuna and Bayano.

All government offices will continue to close at 1:30 p.m. with the exception of Immigration, which will stay open until 3:30 p.m. because of numerous complaints.