Electrical engineers warn of possible blackouts in April due to dry season

Electrical engineers in Ecuador are warning of potential blackouts in April, coinciding with the onset of the dry season. The lack of rainfall during this period could worsen the country’s existing energy deficit, which has not been fully addressed. Marco Acuña from the College of Electrical Engineers of Pichincha explained that while rainfall has helped hydroelectric plants like Coca Codo Sinclair maintain energy production, the dry season will reduce output from these plants. This could lead to an energy shortfall of up to 2,000 megawatts, exacerbating the crisis.

The country has yet to install the promised new thermal energy sources, such as the Progen project, with only 336 megawatts added from the Toachi Pilatón hydroelectric plant and power barges. This capacity is insufficient to meet demand during periods of low water flow, and ongoing maintenance issues could make matters worse.

To address the shortfall, the Advisory Council is recommending repairs to the thermoelectric park, which could add 500 megawatts to the grid. Additionally, Acuña pointed out that the Mazar reservoir, which is being conserved, can only provide energy for 30 days.

Source: EcuaVisa.