Ecuador industries cut power to ease energy demand
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In Ecuador, the government began tracking energy saved after 185 industries voluntarily disconnected from the Alto Voltaje 1 and Alto Voltaje 2 power segments on September 22, 2026.
The initial goal was to reduce consumption by around 1 gigawatt-hour (GWh), or 1,000 megawatt-hours (MWh) daily, in industries located in Guayaquil and Durán.
Minister of Environment and Energy Juan Carlos Blum stated the accumulated savings reached 3,100 MWh in the industrial sector, which he claims represents 5% of the country’s national energy demand and has helped slow the decline of water reservoirs. Demand has decreased between 135 and 200 megawatts in recent days, with a final figure expected after a planned meeting. However, some experts question the extent of the savings.
Marco Acuña, president of the Consultative Council of Engineering and Economy, estimates the 3,100 MWh represents closer to 3% of national consumption. Industries have adapted to the request by adjusting operations, such as shortening workdays from eight to six hours, with the state-owned Corporación Nacional de Electricidad (CNEL) working with each company to determine reduction levels.
The government expanded the measure to include an additional 900 industries in the Sierra region, and also launched a campaign to reduce energy use in homes, all to preserve the country’s energy reserves and manage reservoirs like the Mazar reservoir, which supplies the Paute Integral hydroelectric complex.
