The 2023-2024 Ecuador electricity crisis was caused by a severe drought that depleted water levels at hydroelectric plants and a lack of capacity buildup.
[1] Ecuador experienced rolling blackouts for up to 14 hours per day in the fall crisis (started on 23 September 2024[1]) of 2024.
[4] No new electric capacity had been added to the Ecuador power grid since Coca Codo Sinclair station started operation in 2016, while the demand by 2024 had increased by 24%, or about 400 megawatt (MW).
[5] When the power operator of Ecuador warned about the severe drought in January 2024, no actions were taken until April, when blackouts of up to 8 hours a day were implemented.
[6] Due to extensive use of diesel generators burning high-sulphur fuel, the air quality in Quito significantly deteriorated.