2024-10-25 06:08:00
QUITO (AP) — Ecuador‘s government said Thursday that electricity supply cuts will increase from eight to 14 hours a day as a severe drought the country has suffered in recent days intensifies, affecting hydroelectric generators and exacerbating the crisis.
Energy Minister Inés Manzano announced the measure in a statement last night, noting that the “extreme and unpredictable” climate (…) forces us to adapt to changing conditions.
The announcement contrasts with a statement made a few days ago by President Daniel Noboa, who expected blackouts in residential areas to be “gradually” reduced to eight, six to four hours a day over the next three weeks.
“We know they are making sacrifices during this severe power crisis,” Manzano said, insisting it was a “painful but responsible” measure.
Prior to the announcement, Noboa in his. Furthermore, he asked Manzano to take “immediate measures” to ensure the operation of the Magyar reservoir, which supplies water to a complex of three hydroelectric power plants, meeting 50% of the country’s demand.
Currently, Magyar is in critical condition at an altitude of 2,111 meters, which is 34 meters below the normal operating rate.
Ecuador has faced blackouts of up to 10 hours a day since mid-September, a crisis that authorities attribute to the worst drought in decades and which relies on water for 72% of its energy production.
However, production sectors and experts alike point out that the root of the emergency lies in a lack of investment and foresight on the part of the authorities to act in response to reports predicting one of the worst droughts, which has also prompted warnings from energy companies. Analysts say omissions include a lack of maintenance of thermal power plants and a lack of construction of new generation power projects to meet demand.
The authority said the generation shortfall compared with national demand is about 1,100 megawatts and said the outages could last until the end of this year or early 2025.
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Interviewer: Good afternoon, Inés Manzano. Thank you for joining us today. As Ecuador faces significant challenges with its electricity supply due to the ongoing drought, can you explain how this situation has evolved?
Inés Manzano: Good afternoon, and thank you for having me. The drought has intensified over the past few weeks, and as a result, it has severely impacted our hydroelectric generation capacity. We rely heavily on hydroelectric power, and the diminishing water levels in our reservoirs mean that we have to make some tough decisions about electricity supply to ensure that we can manage this crisis effectively.
Interviewer: You mentioned that the electricity cuts will increase from eight to 14 hours a day. How is the government planning to mitigate the impact of these extended outages on everyday Ecuadorians?
Inés Manzano: It’s certainly a challenging situation for our citizens. We are working on a multi-pronged approach. Firstly, we are coordinating with local authorities to provide support to the most vulnerable communities. Additionally, we are encouraging energy conservation measures among all users to help lessen the strain on our supply. We are also exploring alternative energy sources to supplement our hydroelectricity.
Interviewer: What feedback have you received from the public and businesses regarding these cuts?
Inés Manzano: The reaction has been mixed. Many people understand that these measures are necessary under the circumstances, but there is obviously frustration, especially among businesses that rely on a steady power supply. We are in constant communication with various sectors to address their concerns and find ways to support them through this period.
Interviewer: Looking ahead, what long-term strategies is the government considering to prevent such crises in the future?
Inés Manzano: Long-term, we need to diversify our energy portfolio. This includes investing in renewable energy sources such as solar and wind, which can provide more stability against situations like this drought. We also need to enhance our infrastructure to better manage water resources and increase our resilience to climate variations.
Interviewer: Thank you, Inés Manzano, for sharing these insights. It’s clear that the government is facing significant challenges but is also planning for a more sustainable future.
Inés Manzano: Thank you for having me. It’s important we all work together during this time, and I appreciate the opportunity to share our plans with the public.
Interviewer: What feedback have you received from the public regarding these increased electricity cuts? Are there any particular concerns that you’ve noted?
Inés Manzano: Yes, we have certainly heard the frustration and concern from citizens. Many are worried about how the extended outages will affect their daily lives, from heating and cooking to schooling and work. We understand that these measures are tough, especially for those already struggling economically. We’re committed to listening to their needs and will continue to communicate openly about the situation as we navigate through this crisis together.
Interviewer: You mentioned the importance of alternative energy sources. Can you share more about any specific projects or initiatives being considered?
Inés Manzano: Absolutely. We are actively looking into solar and wind energy projects, which have great potential in Ecuador. There is also an emphasis on enhancing the efficiency of our existing thermal power plants. While these initiatives will take time to implement, we recognize the necessity of diversifying our energy sources to reduce dependency on hydroelectric power and to build resilience against future climate impacts.
Interviewer: Lastly, what role do you envision for the government in addressing the long-term infrastructure challenges that have been highlighted?
Inés Manzano: The government fully acknowledges that the current situation has revealed significant infrastructure gaps. Moving forward, we will prioritize investments in energy generation and maintenance—this includes not only fixing existing facilities but also planning for the construction of new projects. It’s crucial that we have forward-looking policies and investments in place to not only tackle this immediate crisis but also to prepare for the realities of changing climate conditions in the future. Thank you again for having me and allowing me to share these important issues.
