Energy crises trigger industrial cuts in Ecuador and protests in Venezuela

Ecuador has ordered the temporary suspension of electricity for 185 high-voltage industrial companies to protect the national grid during a hydrological crisis. The Ministry of Environment and Energy cited low water levels in hydroelectric plants and difficulties in supplying fuel to thermal barges as primary causes for the restrictions.

In Venezuela, widespread electrical failures have triggered significant social unrest and economic concerns. In Falcón state, residents in Punto Fijo, Las Piedras, and Banco Obrero have held protests and road blockades following outages lasting up to 70 hours. Similarly, in Sucre state, the commercial and industrial sectors have declared a state of maximum alert, reporting that frequent blackouts are forcing a 40% reduction in weekly working hours.

In Carabobo, residents and professional groups, including the College of Engineers, have formally demanded better service from the state utility Corpoelec. Protests in Valencia and surrounding areas highlight the impact on daily life, including difficulties with education, food preservation, and medical needs. Additionally, former workers of Corpoelec have raised allegations regarding labor irregularities, lack of essential spare parts, and inadequate safety measures within the utility.