Ecuador Implements Measures to Manage Drought-Induced Electricity Shortages

Ecuador is facing severe drought conditions, leading to a critical decrease in the levels of strategic reservoirs, particularly Mazar. To manage this situation, the government is implementing a series of measures to reduce electricity demand. These include disconnecting more than 140 industries from the National Interconnected System for one day a week, starting from September 21. This measure is expected to reduce energy demand between 600 and 1,000 megawatts (MW), helping to preserve the water level in reservoirs that feed hydroelectric plants. Additionally, the government is evaluating the possibility of maintaining two floating units of Karpowership that together contribute around 200 MW, and studying the incorporation of a third barge powered by natural gas.