Ecuador: Officials declare emergency in response to power outages as of April 20 /update 1

Power supply disruptions continue to impact Ecuador as of April 20 and are likely to persist in the coming weeks. On April 19, President Daniel Noboa declared a 60-day state of emergency in response to the crisis. As part of the measures, additional security personnel will be deployed to guard hydroelectric plants. The government has stated the deployment is to prevent 'sabotage.' Previously, Ecuador suspended working days on April 18 and 19 to preserve power. Ecuador has faced several hours of power outages daily since mid-April. The shortages have been linked to low water reserves feeding hydroelectric plants and a cut in the electricity supply from Colombia. Power cuts are scheduled to be suspended on April 21 during a national referendum.

Scheduled and unplanned power outages will likely persist over the short term. Officials could implement additional measures to ration power, including suspending working days or increasing power outage periods. Disruptions to business operations are likely. Blackouts could disrupt certain essential services such as municipal water distribution, ATMs, and fueling stations. Traffic disruptions are possible due to malfunctioning traffic signals. There is an increased security threat during power outages. Blackouts could adversely affect security protocols, including alarm systems and electronic fences; opportunistic criminal activity could increase during electricity outages.