[REVISION HISTORY]

Ecuador electrical grid stability concerns

7 recorded revisions of this situation.

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2026-10-11 23:44 UTC → 2026-10-15 22:11 UTC · added ~~removed~~

By October 11, 2026, the Mazar reservoir reached a critical level of 2,125 meters above sea level, leaving it only 10 meters above the minimum threshold for safe operation. Data from Celec Sur shows the reservoir has lost approximately 26 meters since late July, with recent declines accelerating to between 1.2 and 1.5 meters per day. While previous technical estimates suggested remaining water might last 13 to 15 days, the rapid depletion rate could bring the reservoir to its critical limit as early as October 20. Hydroelectric consultant Ricardo Buitrón warned that if current trends persist, the remaining 35% of water could be exhausted in roughly 14 days, a scenario that might extend power outages from the industrial sector to residential homes. ~~The~~ As of October 14, 2026, water inflow to the Mazar reservoir is has dropped to approximately 14.6 cubic meters per second, a ~~vital component of~~ 51% reduction from earlier that morning. In the ~~Paute Integral hydroelectric complex, which includes~~ Cuenca region, rivers such as the ~~Mazar, Molino,~~ Tomebamba, Yanuncay, Tarqui, and ~~Sopladora plants, providing a combined capacity of 1,757 MW. The Centro Nacional de Control de Energía (Cenace) indicated~~ Machángara are reporting low flow rates. Experts from Etapa EP noted that ~~ongoing industrial power cuts may help extend~~ while occasional showers have occurred, they have not been sufficient to recharge water sources because the ~~reservoir’s viability until December, though this~~ soil remains ~~dependent on~~ dry. High temperatures and intense solar radiation are also accelerating evaporation. Authorities indicated that at least two weeks of continuous rainfall in ~~eastern basins.~~ recharge zones is required to stabilize the water supply and mitigate national electricity shortages.

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