Energy crisis in the country: Power outages of up to 12 hours expected

Ecuador will face power outages of up to 12 hours due to drought.

According to reports in the national press, the Ecuadorian Ministry of Energy and Mines announced that daily power outages of up to 12 hours would begin in the country starting today.

The statement noted that the power cuts would be implemented nationwide, and that emergency maintenance would be carried out at the Agoyan and San Francisco thermal power plants during this period.

Ecuador is battling the most severe drought in the last 60 years and meets 72 percent of its energy needs through hydroelectric power plants.

Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa had requested assistance regarding the energy crisis during his visit to Colombia, where he met with President Gustavo Petro. However, Colombia has also had to reduce its electricity exports to Ecuador as it is experiencing difficulties in energy production due to the drought.