Quito power outages linked to traffic accidents damaging poles, says EEQ

Residents of Quito experienced significant power outages on August 3 and 4, 2026, disrupting daily life in both northern and southern parts of the capital. The Empresa Eléctrica Quito (EEQ) has explained that these interruptions were primarily caused by vehicle collisions with electrical infrastructure.

On August 3, power cuts affected numerous neighborhoods in northern Quito, including La Pradera, Batán Bajo, and areas along Avenida 9 de Octubre. The EEQ deployed technical teams to address the issue, which was ultimately linked to a vehicle detaching telecommunications cables. This incident triggered a short circuit in the medium-voltage network, leading to the simultaneous disconnection of two power feeders.

The following day, August 4, a traffic accident occurred around 3:40 AM in the southern part of the city, impacting power poles and electrical infrastructure. While the EEQ managed to restore service to most affected areas, work continued in several neighborhoods. Users also reported outages in other sectors, though these were not individually confirmed by the EEQ.

These incidents highlight a broader problem: between January and July 2026, the EEQ recorded a staggering 388 damaged power poles due to traffic accidents. The company estimates the base cost for each damaged pole at approximately $1,200, but repairs can escalate to as much as $12,000. Such accidents not only cause inconvenience and economic losses due to power disruptions but also represent a significant financial burden for the city's electrical infrastructure.