CARACAS, March 9. /TASS/. The Venezuelan government will delpoy the army in ensuring the security of electricity grids, Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez said on Friday.

"National Bolivarian Armed Forces will take part in the special plan to support and protect the national electricity system, following the orders of President Nicolas Maduro," the Defense Ministry quoted Lopez as saying. "Security aithorities, emergency services and the whole defense system have been deployed to protect the population across the country," he added noting that the number of patrols in the country has been increased to "ensure security and peace."

On Thursday Caracas and most other Venezuelan regions were left without electricity. The National Electric Company said that the blackout was caused by an accident at the Simon Bolivar hydroelectric power station. Maduro blamed "US imperialism" for the accident. The US State Department denied any involvement.