Ecuador wants to protect itself from the consequences of an extreme drought on the country’s energy supply by means of nightly power cuts. The eight-hour power cut will be imposed for the first time next Monday from 22:00 (local time).
As the government in Quito announced on Tuesday, the temporary introduction of teleworking or home office in the public sector is intended to alleviate the current energy shortage. The measures will therefore be implemented from Thursday.
This period was chosen to “minimize disruption to productivity and daily working life,” the government explained. Earlier, the country had announced an eight-hour power outage starting at 10 p.m. for “preventive maintenance” on the energy transmission network.
“Worst drought in 61 years”
According to the government, Ecuador is currently suffering from “the worst drought in the last 61 years,” which is seriously affecting electricity production, which in the South American country relies largely on hydroelectric power plants.
Problems with gang violence
Ecuador will implement curfews in parallel with night-time power outages to increase security, Interior Minister Mónica Palencia said.
The background is that violent crime has recently increased dramatically in the country, which has long been considered relatively peaceful and stable. Gang violence in particular is a growing problem.
Source: Krone
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