El Nino has aggravated dropping water levels in the El Guri reservoir in the past year, sparking an energy crisis.
Chavez has called on ministries and state-run companies to cut energy consumption by 20% and is asking people to limit their bathing time to help meet the target.
During a televised Cabinet meeting, Chavez said: “Some people sing in the shower, in the shower half an hour. No kids, three minutes is more than enough. I've counted, three minutes, and I don't stink.”