Ecuador bolsters electrical system ahead of El Niño

Ecuador's government is proactively reinforcing the national electrical system ahead of the anticipated El Niño phenomenon. This strategic plan involves comprehensive maintenance of generation plants, the restoration of existing power capacity, and the introduction of new projects to guarantee a stable electricity supply across the country.

The reinforcement efforts align with the national Emergency Operations Committee's decision to elevate the alert level from yellow to orange in 17 provinces, reflecting the progression of the climate event. In response, entities within the electrical sector are prioritizing risk mitigation for infrastructure and ensuring the continuous operation of the system. This includes constant monitoring of reservoirs that supply major hydroelectric plants, such as Mazar, which is at its maximum level, and Daule Peripa, where water resources are managed for power generation, flood control, and irrigation.

Contingency plans are active within the electrical sector to address potential impacts like floods, landslides, and electrical storms. These protocols aim to expedite infrastructure recovery, integrate additional generation capacity, and maintain uninterrupted service. As part of scheduled maintenance, Celec EP is refurbishing Unit 2 of the Mazar hydroelectric plant, a process expected to conclude by July 2026. This year alone, the system has already recovered 116.46 megawatts (MW) of power that was previously offline, with plans to add another 79.8 MW by the end of 2026, bringing the total recovery to 196.26 MW. Further enhancements include the replacement of thermoelectric generation engines to add 384 MW, with 49 MW from ongoing projects and the remaining 335 MW from future projects like Guagopolo I, Jivino, and Aníbal Santos.