Ecuador Faces Unprecedented Power Crisis Amid Severe Drought
Ecuadorians were taken by surprise on Monday as the government announced extended power outages lasting up to 14 hours due to a worsening energy crisis. This rationing was not communicated in advance, leading to confusion and frustration among citizens. Just a week prior, the government had assured the public that blackouts would be limited to nighttime hours, from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., downplaying the severity of the ongoing energy crisis that has plagued the country since 2023.
President Daniel Noboa, currently in New York for the United Nations General Assembly, acknowledged the chaos from abroad, leaving ministers to explain the situation. Minister of Energy Antonio Goncalves highlighted that the main reservoir, Mazar, which supports two hydroelectric plants generating 1,500 MW, has reached critical levels due to a lack of rainfall. “When it reaches 2,100 meters, we lose control and depend solely on rain,” Goncalves stated, indicating the precarious state of the energy system.
Despite government claims that Ecuador is experiencing the worst drought in 61 years, experts challenge this narrative. Researcher Verónica Íñiguez analyzed satellite data and found that 2023 was actually the driest year since 1950, with 20 years drier than 2024. This discrepancy raises questions about the government’s data and its handling of the crisis.
Government Struggles to Manage Energy Shortages
The ongoing energy crisis is not new; it has escalated since Noboa assumed office amidst existing rationing measures. His administration's “Zero Blackouts” law aimed to mitigate the situation, but business sectors report losses of $25 million daily due to power outages. The law has been criticized for restricting private sector involvement in energy generation, a crucial factor during this emergency.
Currently, Ecuador faces an electricity deficit of 1,080 MW, with 90% of its electricity sourced from hydroelectric plants. The lack of rain has severely limited these plants' capacity, leading to temporary shutdowns. In response, the government has sought to acquire additional energy and is exploring options to purchase power from Colombia, which has managed to protect its energy system from rationing.
In a recent statement, the Ministry of Energy announced changes to blackout schedules, extending power cuts to daytime hours as well. The Emergency Operations Committee declared a red alert across 19 provinces due to water shortages and food security concerns. As the drought persists, the government is exploring emergency measures, including renting a floating barge for energy generation, but the long-term solution remains contingent on rainfall.
