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Ecuador energy crisis intensifies as Mazar reservoir nears critical low
Ecuador is facing a critical energy crisis as hydroelectric reservoirs reach dangerously low levels due to a prolonged drought. The Mazar reservoir, a vital component of the Paute Integral complex, has dropped to approximately 2,125 meters above sea level, leaving it just over 10 meters above its minimum safe operating limit of 2,115 meters. This decline has forced the suspension of generation at Mazar's two units to prevent damage from sediment.
Other major facilities, including Molino, Sopladora, and Minas San Francisco, are also operating near their minimum thresholds. While the Coca Codo Sinclair plant remains a significant contributor, its output is insufficient to offset the deficit in the southern regions. The situation is exacerbated by the suspension of electricity imports from Colombia, which began in September due to Colombian supply constraints.
The Chamber of Energy of Ecuador has called for USD 300 million to reactivate the nation's thermoelectric plants to reduce dependency on rainfall. While President Daniel Noboa has stated that residential blackouts will be avoided, industrial sectors are already facing mandatory power restrictions. These interruptions are impacting production and employment, particularly in industries dealing with perishable goods.
Entities
CELEC SUR · Cedeira · Coca Codo Sinclair · Cámara de Energía del Ecuador · Daniel Noboa · Ecuador · La Guancha · Mazar · Mazar Reservoir
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Hydroelectric power accounts for 77% of Ecuador's total electricity supply. fmmundo.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Mazar reservoir level was recorded at 2,125.31 meters above sea level on Tuesday morning. www.larepublica.ec
- [○ 1 SOURCE] High tides in Guayaquil are expected to reach levels above 4 meters on October 13. www.elcomercio.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Mazar reservoir has experienced a total decline of 27.56 meters since late July 2026. www.expreso.ec
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The reservoir is approximately 10.3 meters above its minimum safe operating level of 2,115 meters. www.larepublica.ec
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Colombia has suspended electricity sales to Ecuador since September 7 due to domestic supply risks. hoyenimbabura.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Chamber of Energy of Ecuador stated that USD 300 million is required to reactivate the national thermoelectric fleet. fmmundo.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] President Daniel Noboa stated that residential households would not face blackouts. www.prensa-latina.cu