The Ecuadorian government announced on Tuesday, September 17 that the country will enforce nationwide night-time blackouts and mandate teleworking in the public sector due to the severe drought which poses a threat to the nation’s hydroelectric plants.
“The measures, which will be implemented from Thursday are due to the worst drought in the last 61 years and aim to responsibly manage the control of our electrical system,” a presidential statement said.
Starting next week, from Monday, September 23 to Thursday, September 26, an eight-hour power cut will be enforced nightly from 10:00 p.m.
This measure is due to the drought impacting the reservoirs of several hydroelectric plants, which are the country’s primary source of electricity.
“The established cut-off time has been chosen with the aim of generating the least possible impact on productive activities and the working day.
“Teleworking would also be implemented in the public sector on Thursday and Friday of this week and next, the presidency added.
The government had previously announced an eight-hour general blackout starting at 10:00 p.m. this Wednesday for “preventive maintenance” on the energy transmission system.
Interior Minister Monica Palencia stated that the blackout would be accompanied by a curfew as a security measure in the South American country which is experiencing significant gang violence.
In April, Ecuador implemented electricity rationing for 13 hours a day due to the drought.
The country is facing an energy shortfall of approximately 1,000 megawatts, with at least 100 MW being supplied by a thermal power generating barge contracted by the government.
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