The Coca Codo Sinclair hydro plant, Ecuador’s largest at 1,500 MW, recovered generation capacity to between 881 MW and 1,041 MW in early April due to recent rains. This recovery relieved operational demand on Mazar temporarily, allowing it to pause generation overnight on April 5–6 as its water levels showed initial stabilization. Hydroelectric sources contributed to 65.5% of the national grid’s electricity on April 4, down from typical averages of 80–90% under wetter conditions. Thermal and leased barge generators supplied about 33.6%, while renewables such as wind and solar accounted for less than 1%.
Electricity imports from Colombia remain suspended since January 22, 2026, following Ecuador’s imposition of elevated import tariffs, removing a 450 MW backup source. The government’s failure to implement alternative mitigation strategies and the ongoing dry period raise concerns that Mazar’s reserves may support generation only until late April 2026. Sector analysts emphasize the need for contingency plans to avoid supply bottlenecks as regional hydrological variability persists.
This article was curated and published as part of our South American energy market coverage.
