The Ministry of Energy and Mines of Ecuador reported that Energy rationing will be extended in that country until next October 20 and detailed the cutting shifts for nine distributors that serve eight regions.
The Minister of Energy, Inés Manzano, explained that the cuts, like last week, did notor will exceed 10 hours. However, the supply shortage is already taking an economic toll on Ecuadorians. and it is estimated that they cost up to US$175 per capita, a figure that could be revised upwards and affect the country’s growth.
“We are reviewing the results of the energy rationing. At this moment the majority of hydroelectric plants are in optimal operation and in relation to the Mazar dam, in the Paute complex, The water reserve has increased 60 centimeters from Thursday to last night“Manzano said.
And he added that, “in this situation we must maintain the cuts and be responsible, Next week will be critical and weather conditions show little rain in the southern area“.
The official also stated that she knows about “the effort of each person and the inconvenience that the drought crisis causes, that is why Our commitment is that you have the schedules today so that you can plan your activities within these conditions.s”.
“We are going to get out of this crisis and while we face it, We are executing all the actions that were not taken before to be able to diversify the way we generate energyso that in the near future we don’t have to depend on whether it rains or not“he pointed out.
The extent of the cuts is communicated while The neighboring country is experiencing a supply crisis due to poor planning that disproportionately increased dependence on the hydroelectric matrix. Furthermore, since 2008 the participation of the private sector was restricted and the assets for generation, transmission and distribution were in charge of the State.
Calculations by the Boutique Ahead Investment Bank of Guayaquil indicate that Ecuador needs to invest about US$3 billion in electricity, including transmission, until 2026 to meet needs and reasonably anticipate growing demand.
