Amid commercial activity that is increasing day by day and approaching Christmas and the end of the year, the Federation of Chambers of Commerce of Ecuador and the Chamber of Commerce of Quito called on government authorities to suspend power cuts for the rest of December. This request was posted on X (formerly Twitter) this Monday, December 18th morning.

Unions argued that the last days of December are a critical time for the commercial performance of thousands of businesses across the country. “We are facing an extension of the duration of the power outage, which is seriously affecting economic activity,” the unions added.

Ecuador has invited offshore companies to compete in the supply of electricity

The Ministry of Energy reported last week that there will be no blackouts on December 23, 24 and 25 for Christmas, as well as on December 30, 31 and January 1, 2024 for the end of the year. However, as the low water level continues, and the reserves in the reservoirs of the hydroelectric power plants have not been restored, from Friday, December 15, the power outages were increased to one hour a day, that is, they are outages for up to three hours a day. And this despite the fact that Energy Minister Andrea Arrobo previously announced that rationing would be suspended from mid-December due to the holidays.

The ministry explained that the Paute integral hydroelectric complex – which consists of the Molino, Mazar and Sopladora power plants – is currently not producing at its maximum capacity and is contributing between 10% and 15% of the country’s energy needs, when in winter its capacity generates 35% to 40% of energy.

He also indicated that Coca Codo Central would go into maintenance on January 6 and 7, 2024, although it was planned for November 8, 2023, but not implemented.

The power outage will only be for three days for Christmas and three days for New Year, but from December 15 it will last up to three hours

However, the unions reiterated their demand: “We urgently ask the competent authorities to consider suspending the power cut until the end of the month, especially during the peak economic activity.”