Panama Orders Power Rationing -May 08,2013

The Panamanian government has ordered schools to close and government offices to reduce their opening hours as the country suffers from a power shortage

Panama derives more than half of its energy from hydroelectric power and a lack of rain has hit the supply hard.

Officials said bars, nightclubs, cinemas and supermarkets would also be required to close between 22:00 (03:00 GMT) and 06:00 (11:00 GMT) local time from Monday to Thursday.

Businesses have been asked to turn off their air conditioning between 11:00 (16:00 GMT) and 15:00 (20:00 GMT).