2009 Ecuador electricity crisis

The 2009 Ecuador electricity crisis was caused by a severe drought that depleted water levels at hydroelectric plants.

[2] Because of the drought, water levels at the Paute River dam—which normally supplies 40% of Ecuador's power—were extremely low.

[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".

[2] In mid-January 2010, the blackouts were "suspended indefinitely",[5] following increased water levels and the acquisition of several generators.