In Ecuador, President Daniel Noboa has mandated the closure of both businesses and governmental entities for two days due to a significant shortfall in electrical power, which coincides with an impending national referendum. The decision, attributed to a combination of drought conditions and alleged sabotage, emerges amidst a backdrop of multiple crises, including security and fiscal challenges, prompting the nation to seek assistance from the International Monetary Fund.
Addressing the issue in Atacames, Noboa highlighted the compounded adversities faced by Ecuador, particularly emphasizing the detrimental impact of sabotage on the electrical sector intended to undermine the forthcoming referendum. The country currently experiences an energy deficit ranging between 22-to-27 gigawatt hours, exacerbated by drought-induced depletion of major hydroelectric reservoirs and a substantial reduction in water flow at the Coca-Codo Sinclair power plant.
At a press conference, Roberto Luque, the newly appointed Minister of Energy, alongside other cabinet members, discussed the non-technical nature of the challenges within the Ministry of Energy that led to the declaration of an electrical emergency. Emphasizing the necessity for a trustworthy individual capable of managing technical aspects and combating corruption, Luque's appointment on April 16, 2024, followed the resignation of Andrea Arrobo. This change in leadership aligns with efforts to mitigate the impact of electricity shortages, including the recent reduction in electricity supply due to the historic low water levels in the Mazar reservoir.
Source: time.com