Brazilian President Fernando Henrique Cardoso says the nation's eight-month energy rationing program will end in March.

Under the program, Brazil's energy customers were required to comply with a mandatory 20-percent reduction in energy use or face stiff fines and service cutoffs.

The measures were established in June after a severe drought impacted water levels in the reservoirs that power Brazil's hydroelectric plants. Rainfall in recent months has replenished water levels.

The head of Brazil's Energy Emergency task force, Pedro Parente, says the decision to end the program was based on conservative projections on energy production and consumption, as well as weather forecasts.

Mr. Parente says the task force also developed an effective system to monitor the country's energy situation.

The Brazilian official warns, however, there are no guarantees and problems could still arise.

Some energy analysts say the government is lifting the measures too soon. They say a severe dought next year could affect reservoir supplies.

(reuters, dpa, afp, rodgers-cr)

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