An integrative strategy for Venezuela's electricity sector (VES), from an analysis of stakeholder perspectives

Abstract

This work aims to determine the most important aspects of an integrative strategy to end the stagnation of Venezuela's energy sector (VES). The first step is to extract the various stakeholders' perspectives on policies needed to improve VES. Q methodology combines qualitative and quantitative approaches to learn the subjective opinions of a group of individuals on a specific topic to determine the different perspectives at hand. Using Q methodology we analyzed the preferences of VES-involved stakeholders regarding the structure of the industry, its services, the infrastructure framework, and, finally, energy governance design. Analyzing commonalities and disagreements between perspectives resulted in three perspectives or mindsets: i) a partial vertical restructuring of the industry, ii) the development of hydroelectricity and large-scale renewable energies, and iii) the improvement of control mechanisms to increase the sector's efficiency.