Ecuador power sector under new state of emergency

Ecuador’s mines and energy ministry declared a new emergency for the power sector to safeguard supply following the one announced last October.

“The current energy scenario of the national interconnected system (SNI) reflects an atypical hydrological year, leading to a drought scenario in the Amazon basin, with historically unprecedented minimum flow rates, even lower than those recorded in 2023, a year in which periods of nationwide rationing were registered,” the ministry said in its latest declaration.

Last month, minister Antonio Goncalves forecast that the upcoming dry season would be difficult, with 2024 expected to be a very dry year.

Citing information from national power operator Cenace, the government highlighted historical lows at the Mazar reservoir and Minas San Francisco plant.

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Under the new contingency, actions will focus on the acquisition and leasing of new generation, greater coordination between state power corporation Celec and distributors, and ensuring that national oil company Petroecuador guarantees the supply of fuel, natural gas and associated gas.

The ministry is accepting expressions of interest to provide the additional generation, which is estimated at around 700MW. Registration is available here and a formal call is expected at month-end,

The ministry's declaration is available in the Documents box in the top right corner.

During a press conference, minister Goncalves said that electricity from Karpowership's 110MW Emre Bey barge is due to start injecting power into the grid this month. The barge was hired as part of initial procurement to cover the dispatch shortfall.

Also read Spotlight: Ecuador’s electricity crisis, revisited

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