Approximately 135 high-consumption companies remain without sufficient proprietary generation as the deadline approaches. Industry specialists indicate that thermal power solutions cost between $500,000 and $600,000 per megawatt, with equipment imports requiring around four months and installation demanding a minimum six-month period before operation begins. The timeframe constrains companies attempting to comply before mid-December.
The December deadline coincides with additional measures targeting large consumers. Since September 22, 2026, 185 AV1 and AV2 companies participate in a temporary scheme reducing weekly electricity drawn from the National Interconnected System. Minister of Environment and Energy Juan Carlos Blum reported the measure aims to optimize approximately 3,100 megawatt-hours, with observed reductions ranging between 135 and nearly 200 megawatts during initial implementation days. The strategy preserves hydroelectric reserves during dry season, with Blum acknowledging a generation deficit between 1,000 and 1,200 megawatts after thermal projects planned for 2026 failed to materialize.
For companies unable to reach full self-generation by December, the government prepared an alternative allowing continued system access through tariffs incorporating thermal generation costs. Two barges, Emre Bey and Eri Sultan, began contributing approximately 200 megawatts from September 21. Blum indicated this generation will supply non-compliant companies from December, with costs transferred directly to those consumers.
A separate tariff reform took effect October 1, 2026, for AV1 and AV2 segments. Previous rates averaged $0.12 per kilowatt-hour; the Electricity Regulation and Control Agency established new values reaching $0.3509 per kilowatt-hour in certain high-voltage industrial categories during peak periods. Blum estimated the adjustment would settle around $0.30 to $0.31 per kilowatt-hour with permanent application. The industrial sector consumed 6,968.24 gigawatt-hours in the first half of 2026, representing 24.52 percent of billed electricity in Ecuador.
This article was curated and published as part of our South American energy market coverage.
