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Ecuador implements industrial power cuts to combat energy crisis
Ecuador is facing a severe energy crisis driven by drought and declining hydroelectric reservoir levels, specifically at the Mazar reservoir. The National Electricity Operator (Cenace) has warned of a high risk in meeting national demand, which currently averages 4,600 MW with peaks exceeding 5,600 MW.
To mitigate the risk of widespread blackouts, the government has announced a plan to disconnect large industrial consumers from the national grid one day per week. This measure targets 167 high-voltage category 1 industrial groups, two steel mills, two mining companies, and Petroecuador. The goal is to preserve energy reserves through the end of 2026 and into early 2027.
In an effort to bolster supply, the government has enabled Elecaustro to provide an additional 200 MW of generation through two barges. Experts note that the country currently relies on only 900 MW of thermal energy, and the lack of successful previous contracting processes has necessitated these emergency measures.
Entities
CENACE · Ecuador · Elecaustro · Juan Carlos Blum · Karpowership · Mazar Reservoir · Ministry of Environment and Energy · Ministry of Labor and Human Development · Paute Integral Hydroelectric Complex · Petroecuador
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] National electricity demand currently averages 4,600 MW, with peaks exceeding 5,600 MW. fmmundo.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The government plans to disconnect large industries from the national grid one day per week. elmercuriomanta.ec
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The disconnection measure affects 167 high-voltage category 1 industrial groups, two steel mills, two mining companies, and Petroecuador. elmercuriomanta.ec
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Decreasing water levels in the Mazar reservoir could leave the country with less than a month of electricity. fmmundo.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Ecuador has only 900 MW of thermal energy generation available. fmmundo.com