Ecuador faces nationwide power cuts after Paute Molino substation explosion
An explosion at the Paute Molino substation around 02:07 local time on 30 June 2026 caused the Paute Integral hydro‑electric complex to shut down, triggering rolling blackouts across multiple provinces. The state electricity firm CELEC EP confirmed the blast and said the outage affected thousands of users in Quito, Guayaquil, Cuenca and surrounding districts.
The national grid operator CENACE ordered temporary, programmed disconnections in several sectors to preserve system stability while technicians repaired the substation. To offset the lost generation, the Coca Codo Sinclair hydro‑electric plant increased output. Ministers reported that power was largely restored by late morning, but the incident highlighted the vulnerability of Ecuador’s electricity network, which supplies about 40 % of national demand.
Authorities are investigating the cause of the explosion and have activated safety protocols to protect personnel and infrastructure.