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Ecuador implements industrial power cuts and tariff hikes
Ecuador is implementing aggressive measures to manage a significant electrical deficit of 1,000 to 1,200 MW caused by the dry season and low reservoir levels. The Ministry of Environment and Energy has expanded scheduled electricity cuts for industrial users, increasing disconnection periods from 24 to 48 hours starting in October.
To further reduce demand, approximately 8,600 medium-voltage companies will be required to disconnect from the national grid one day per week. This measure aims to save roughly 1,000 MW of energy but has caused concern among business leaders regarding production planning and increased operational costs.
Simultaneously, the Electricity Regulation and Control Agency (Arconel) has approved a tariff reform for high-voltage industrial consumers (AV1 and AV2) for the final quarter of 2026. Rates for these segments will rise significantly, with AV2 consumers facing an average of 29 cents per kWh and AV1 consumers facing 30 cents per kWh, up from previous rates of approximately 12 cents per kWh. The government stated these adjustments are necessary to cover the higher costs of emergency energy supply during the current hydrological crisis.
Entities
Arconel · CENACE · Chamber of Industries of Guayaquil · Corporación Nacional de Electricidad · Cámara de Industrias de Guayaquil · Cámara de la Pequeña y Mediana Industria · Ecuador · Empresa Eléctrica Provincial de Cotopaxi · Juan Carlos Navarro · Ministerio de Ambiente y Energía · Ministry of Environment and Energy · Sistema Nacional Interconectado
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Chamber of Industries of Guayaquil requested better coordination and planning for the cuts. www.elcomercio.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Approximately 8,600 medium voltage companies in Ecuador will disconnect from the grid one day per week. lagaceta.com.ec
- [● 2 SOURCES] The new tariff will apply to consumption in October, November, and December 2026. www.elcomercio.com · www.expreso.ec
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The average price for AV2 consumers will be 29 cents per kWh and 30 cents per kWh for AV1. www.elcomercio.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The goal is to reduce consumption to preserve reservoir levels during the dry season. confirmado.net · www.elcomercio.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Ministry expanded scheduled electricity cuts for industries to 48 hours starting in October. www.elcomercio.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The electrical system faces a deficit of between 1,000 and 1,200 MW. confirmado.net
- [● 2 SOURCES] Arconel approved a tariff reform for high voltage 1 (AV1) and high voltage 2 (AV2) consumers. www.elcomercio.com · www.expreso.ec