QUITO, Sept 22, 2024 (BSS/AFP) - Ecuador will begin scheduled power cuts a
day early, the government said Saturday, aimed at rationing electricity as
the hydroelectric power-dependent country faces its worst drought in 61
years.

Nightly blackouts were planned from Monday to Thursday, but extra rationing
will now take place during the day from 08:00 am to 05:00 pm on Sunday in 12
provinces, according to a presidential statement.

Sunday's power cuts are aimed at "safeguarding the water resources" available
after 71 days of no rain, it said.

Low water levels have seen the reservoirs of hydroelectric plants that cover
70 percent of national demand fall to critical levels.

The presidential statement also said further measures may be imposed.

"On Sunday at noon, after evaluating the water situation in the region, the
country and each province, the necessary complementary measures will be
announced," it added.

Power was cut for up to six hours on Wednesday night in several areas as the
government carried out maintenance works ahead the blackouts.

The national Emergency Operations Committee (COE) on Saturday extended its
red alert which was imposed in 15 provinces, including that of the capital
Quito.

The chamber of commerce in the southwestern commercial city of Guayaquil
estimated that Ecuador would lose around $12 million for every hour of
blackout.

"During the blackouts registered at the beginning of the year, losses
exceeded US$1.44 billion (1.4 percent of GDP)," the chamber said two weeks
ago.

The country imposed electricity rationing of up to 13 hours a day in April
due to the drought.