Widespread power cuts hit Ecuador as country battles severe energy crisis and worst drought in 61 years
Ecuador is experiencing a significant energy crisis, leading to widespread power outages and economic challenges. The crisis is primarily due to reduced water levels affecting hydroelectric power generation, which supplies a substantial portion of the country’s electricity.
Satellite image of Coca Codo Sinclair Hydroelectric Project, Ecuador's largest hydropower plant on September 12, 2024. Credit: Copernicus EU/Sentinel-2, The Watchers
Ecuador’s government, led by President Daniel Noboa, announced on September 23 that the country will implement eight-hour power cuts from Monday to Thursday, between 22:00 and 06:00 local time. Originally intended as a short-term measure, these blackouts have since been extended, reflecting the ongoing challenges in stabilizing the energy supply amid worsening drought conditions.
The energy crisis in Ecuador, which began last year, has added strain to an already fragile economy and raised concerns over political stability. Ecuador relies heavily on hydropower, which accounts for over 70% of its energy production. With the worst drought in 61 years reducing water levels, the country faces mounting challenges in maintaining a stable electricity supply, leaving citizens uncertain about how their daily lives will be affected.
The government has pointed to inadequate maintenance of existing dams and delays in securing contracts for new energy generation as contributing factors. The impact on daily life has been significant, with citizens struggling to plan their routines amidst unreliable power, which also affects the country’s governance.
Power outages have led to disruptions in traffic management, with non-functioning traffic lights complicating transportation, while unreliable internet services have hampered communication and business operations. Citizens have been urged to conserve energy, limiting electricity use for household activities like laundry.
The agricultural sector has also been hit hard, particularly ranchers and dairy farmers. According to Rodrigo Gomez de la Torre, a dairy farmer from Pintag near Quito, milk production has dropped by 20% to 40% across different regions, largely depending on each producer’s capacity to prepare for the drought.
Despite Ecuador’s considerable energy resources, including solar potential, fast-flowing rivers, and significant oil reserves, the country suffers from chronic underinvestment and poor policy decisions, according to Bloomberg’s Stephan Kueffner.
President Noboa has recently appointed his fourth energy minister since taking office in November, assigning her the task of reducing Ecuador’s dependence on rainfall by diversifying renewable energy sources.
Noboa also requested a tenfold increase in the cap on private investment in the electricity sector and removed duties on imported generators. Currently, only around 30% of households have generators to maintain power during blackouts.
References:
1 Ecuador cuts power in half of its provinces amid historic drought – Reuters – September 22, 2024
2 Ecuador Goes Dark in a Power Crisis That Punishes Economy – Bloomberg – October 12, 2024
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