Ecuador faces a new wave of scheduled blackouts this week, as the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz makes it difficult to import fuels needed for its backup thermoelectric plants.
The Energy Ministry confirmed electricity cuts of up to 8 hours daily in several provinces, echoing the energy crisis of 2024. The situation is worsened because hydroelectric reservoir levels remain below optimal after an irregular rainy season.
"We are in a perfect storm: low water levels in the dams and difficulty importing diesel for thermoelectric plants," the Energy Minister explained. Ecuador produces oil but lacks sufficient refining capacity, forcing it to export crude and import derivatives.
The government announced an emergency plan that includes direct diesel purchases from Colombia and the activation of emergency generators in hospitals and essential services. Industries were also asked to reduce their consumption during peak hours.
Analysts point out that Ecuador's energy vulnerability reflects decades of insufficient investment in diversifying the electrical grid and national refining capacity.