A prolonged drought has shut down two major hydroelectric power stations in Ecuador. Due to the resulting electricity supply shortages, the South American country’s government has declared a state of emergency.
As a result of the drought – linked to the El Niño weather phenomenon – historic lows are being recorded in the country’s reservoirs. To ration energy, electricity was cut off for up to 13 hours in some parts of Ecuador on Thursday.
Not enough water for electricity production
The lack of rainfall and the resulting drop in water levels have led, among other things, to the loss of electricity production at the power plant at the Mazar Dam; the water level is simply too low to function.
To reduce energy consumption, work was suspended by government decision in Quito on Thursday and Friday. In addition, electricity rationing was ordered to eight hours per day. 78 percent of the country’s energy comes from hydroelectric power stations.
Relieve the Minister and officials of Energy
President Daniel Noboa has fired Energy Minister Andrea Arrobo Pena and several other officials. They are accused of hiding the true extent of the energy crisis. According to experts, there has been no investment in the energy sector for years.
Colombia stopped exporting electricity to its neighboring country
The crisis was exacerbated by the fact that neighboring Colombia, which is also struggling with drought, stopped exporting electricity to Ecuador. “There is no easy solution in the short term,” said new acting Energy Minister Roberto Luque.
Source: Krone
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