Energy and logistics challenges face Chile and Ecuador amid climate risks

Extreme weather events and energy restrictions are highlighting vulnerabilities in urban infrastructure and supply chains across South America.

In Chile, recent storms, heavy rains, and electrical outages in Santiago have underscored the risks of urban dependence on the power grid. During a storm on October 13, approximately 30,000 customers in the Metropolitan Region lost electricity, impacting road safety and emergency communications. Experts suggest that cities must move toward preventive planning, utilizing autonomous backup systems like solar-powered traffic lights to maintain essential services during catastrophes.

In Ecuador, the combination of the El Niño phenomenon and government-mandated electrical disconnections is threatening industrial productivity. The Ecuadorian Logistics Association (ASOLOG) has called for the integration of supply chain continuity into the national productive agenda. Recent government adjustments to power disconnection schedules for high and medium voltage companies have forced industries to reorganize production and storage. The ongoing development of El Niño requires continuous technical monitoring to mitigate risks to road connectivity, storage capacity, and temperature-controlled goods.