Ecuador mandates industrial power reductions to protect Mazar reservoir

Ecuador energy crisis industrial power disconnection Mazar reservoir demand management hydroelectric reserves

Ecuador's Ministry of Environment and Energy has implemented a temporary demand management measure requiring 185 high-voltage industrial companies to reduce their electricity consumption one day per week. This initiative, which includes companies in the AV1 and AV2 segments such as Petroecuador, aims to preserve the water levels of the Mazar reservoir, a critical component of the Paute Integral hydroelectric complex.

The measure is expected to reduce daily demand by approximately 1,000 MWh, or roughly 20% to 25% of the daily load. To comply, industries may reduce electrical loads, utilize self-generation systems, or reorganize production schedules. Some companies in Guayaquil and Durán have already transitioned to a Tuesday-through-Saturday workweek.

The decision follows a significant drop in the Mazar reservoir level, which reached 2,138.8 meters above sea level, falling 14.2 meters below its maximum allowed capacity. Authorities noted that the severe drought is linked to the El Niño phenomenon affecting the Amazon basin. The government has emphasized that these measures are directed exclusively at the industrial sector to ensure the continuity and reliability of the electrical supply for homes and businesses.

Entities

Ecuador · Guayaquil Chamber of Industries · Juan Carlos Blum · Mazar Reservoir · Ministry of Environment and Energy · National Interconnected System · Petroecuador

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 4 SOURCES] The disconnection could save between 1,000 MW and 25% of daily demand. elmercuriomanta.ec · periodismoecuador.info · www.elcomercio.com
[● 2 SOURCES] The measure affects 167 industrial groups in the AV1 category and five in the AV2 category, including Petroecuador. elmercuriomanta.ec
[○ 1 SOURCE] The disconnection applies to regulated consumers in the AV1 segment, representing approximately 90% of industrial consumers in that group.
[● 2 SOURCES] Minister Juan Carlos Blum announced that 150 industries will disconnect for one full day per week starting September 22, 2026. elmercuriomanta.ec
[○ 1 SOURCE] The Mazar reservoir level reached 2,138.8 meters above sea level, which is 14.2 meters below its maximum allowed level.
[○ 1 SOURCE] The severe drought is linked to the El Niño phenomenon affecting the Amazon basin.