ENERGY CRISIS IN ECUADOR: THE COUNTRY IS LEFT IN THE DARK

On October 28, 2023, Ecuador plunged into an unprecedented energy crisis. From that day on, the country began to suffer power outages of up to four hours a day, due to a drought that has reduced hydroelectric energy production by 50.

The crisis has had a significant impact on the lives of Ecuadorians. Blackouts have affected homes, businesses and public institutions. In some cases, power outages have caused computer systems to collapse and basic services to be disrupted.

The Ecuadorian government has taken measures to mitigate the impact of the crisis. On October 18, President Guillermo Lasso declared an emergency in the electricity sector. The government has also contracted private companies to generate thermal power, which is more expensive than hydroelectric power.

However, these measures have not been enough to avoid blackouts. Ecuador's power deficit is approximately 465 megawatts, and the crisis is expected to continue for at least the next few months.

Causes of the crisis

The drought that has caused the energy crisis in Ecuador is the most serious that the country has experienced in the last 50 years. Experts point out that climate change is one of the factors that has contributed to the drought.

Another factor that has contributed to the crisis is the lack of investment in the electricity sector. Ecuador has reduced its investment in hydroelectric power in recent years, making the country more vulnerable to the effects of drought.

Impact of the crisis

The energy crisis has had a significant impact on the Ecuadorian economy. The blackouts have caused losses for companies and have affected productivity. The crisis has also increased production costs, which could lead to increased inflation.

The crisis has also had a social impact. The blackouts have affected the most vulnerable households, which often do not have access to electrical generators. The blackouts have also made it difficult to access basic services, such as health care and education.

Perspectives

The Ecuadorian government has said it expects the energy crisis to end by December 2023. However, experts say the drought could continue for several years, potentially leading to new energy crises in the future.

To prevent the crisis from recurring, the Ecuadorian government must invest in the electricity sector and take measures to mitigate the effects of climate change.