Ecuador Implements Electricity Rationing and Blackouts Due to Severe Drought

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Ecuador will introduce nationwide nighttime blackouts and teleworking in the public sector starting Thursday, as the country faces its worst drought in decades, which is impacting its hydroelectric plants, the government announced on Tuesday.

The measures are being implemented “due to the worst drought in 61 years and aim to manage our electrical system responsibly,” according to a presidential statement.

Beginning next week, from Monday to Thursday, there will be an eight-hour power cut each night starting at 10:00 pm. This is in response to the drought’s effect on the reservoirs of several hydroelectric plants, which are Ecuador’s primary source of electricity.

“The cut-off time has been selected to minimize disruption to productive activities and the workday,” the presidency explained.

The government had previously announced an eight-hour general blackout starting at 10:00 pm this Wednesday for “preventive maintenance” on the energy transmission system.

Interior Minister Monica Palencia stated that this blackout would be accompanied by a curfew as a security measure, given the gang violence affecting the country.

In April, Ecuador implemented electricity rationing of up to 13 hours a day due to the drought.

Currently, the country faces an energy deficit of approximately 1,000 megawatts, with at least 100 MW being addressed by a thermal-power-generating barge contracted by the government.