Ecuador: Officials announce curfews during planned eight-hour nationwide power outage from 22:00 Sept. 18 /update 1

Ecuadorian officials have announced that some areas of the country will be subject to a curfew during the nationwide electricity outage that is scheduled for 22:00 Sept. 18-06:00 Sept. 19. Under the curfew, all persons in the provinces of El Oro, Guayas, Los Rios, Manabi, Orellana, and Santa Elena, as well as the Camilo Ponce Enriquez Canton of Azuay Province, must remain at home during the blackout. Exceptions exist for certain essential employees.

While the curfew is limited to the above areas, electricity will be cut throughout the country to allow for maintenance work on the electrical grid. The measure comes as a drought affects Ecuador's hydroelectric power generation.

Transport and business disruptions are likely; businesses without backup generators could temporarily suspend operations. Mobile voice and internet service disruptions are possible. The electricity disruptions could also affect ATMs and fueling stations. The blackouts could adversely affect security protocols, including alarm systems and electronic fences; opportunistic criminal activity could increase during power outages, especially during hours of darkness.