2009 Ecuador electricity crisis
The 2009 Ecuador electricity crisis was caused by a severe drought that depleted water levels at hydroelectric plants. Ecuador experienced rolling blackouts for two to six hours per day that lasted from November 2009 until January 2010.
Background
[edit]The electricity crisis arose from Ecuador's worst drought in 40 years, which began in September 2009.[1][2] Government experts attributed the drought to the El Niño phenomenon.[2] Because of the drought, water levels at the Paute River dam—which normally supplies 40% of Ecuador's power—were extremely low.[1] The reservoir's water level is normally 1,991 meters above sea level, but on November 10 was only 1,968 meters above sea level.[1] The minimum level is 1,965 meters.[1] As of November 11, only two of the dam's 10 turbines were functioning.[1] Normally, the dam can supply up to 1,000 megawatts (MW), but the dam's output was only 200 MW on this day.[1]
Effects
[edit]Beginning November 5, rolling blackouts took place across Ecuador for two to six hours per day.[3] Government officials also urged citizens to conserve energy.[1] Economic losses from the blackouts are estimated to be in the tens of millions of dollars; factory output slowed, and storage of perishables was disrupted.[2]
On November 6, the government declared an emergency in the power sector, which was expected to "allow the Finance Ministry to seek to guarantee fuel imports for thermoelectric plants".[3] The government also agreed to purchase additional electricity from Peru and Colombia.[4] Government officials aimed to end power rationing before Christmas.[4]
The power crisis led to criticism of the Correa administration's management of the power sector as water levels of the reservoirs became depleted.[2]
In mid-January 2010, the blackouts were "suspended indefinitely",[5] following increased water levels and the acquisition of several generators. In February, Ecuador stopped the import of electricity from Colombia and Peru.[citation needed]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e f g “Drought Blamed for Blackouts in Ecuador” Archived 2018-07-04 at the Wayback Machine. Latin American Herald Tribune (November 11, 2009).
- ^ a b c d "Ecuador energy crisis cripples production, disrupts cities". UPI. Retrieved 2022-06-30.
- ^ a b Mercedes Alvaro. “Ecuador Negotiates Emergency Electricity Imports With Peru”. The Wall Street Journal (November 9, 2009).
- ^ a b “Ecuador Aims to End Power Rationing Before Christmas” Archived 2018-07-04 at the Wayback Machine. Latin American Herald Tribune (November 17, 2009).
- ^ http://www.bnamericas.com/news/electricpower/Government_suspends_rationing_indefinitely
