Ecuador is facing an unprecedented energy crisis, prompting the government to announce a substantial increase in nationwide power cuts due to the worst drought in over six decades. Authorities have confirmed that electricity outages will now last for 12 hours each day, up from the initially planned eight. This drastic measure highlights the ongoing challenges from adverse weather conditions affecting the country’s hydroelectric capacity.
Energy Minister Antonio Goncalves attributed the severe energy shortages to an early onset of the dry season and changing climatic conditions. President Daniel Noboa recently declared the situation “chaos,” emphasizing that the drought is the worst in 61 years. Ecuador relies on hydroelectric power for about 77% of its electricity, but dwindling water levels in reservoirs feeding the country’s dams have forced a significant revision of operational strategies.
To conserve energy, the government has implemented nightly blackouts from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., minimizing disruptions during daytime hours. Public sector workers have been advised to work remotely on certain days to help reduce electricity demand. However, many regions are experiencing power cuts even before the scheduled outages.
The crisis has been compounded by ongoing maintenance and inspections of the national power grid, with a curfew imposed in six provinces to enhance security during these operations. The U.S. Embassy in Ecuador has issued alerts advising American nationals to limit their movements amid increased military and police presence.
Ecuador’s energy issues are not new; the country has struggled with electricity supply problems for over a year. President Noboa declared a state of emergency in April and has since introduced various measures to address the crisis, including power rationing and commissioning a Turkish power generation barge to provide additional electricity. As the situation develops, the government faces increasing pressure to restore reliable energy access for its citizens.
