Recent operational adjustments, including temporarily halting Mazar’s output for a total of 12 days in early 2026 to conserve reserves, have contributed to the recovery of water levels. The strong performance of other hydro plants, notably Coca Codo Sinclair, which operated close to its 1,500 MW capacity due to favorable inflows, has supplemented national generation. Hydropower accounted for roughly 87% of Ecuador’s electricity supply on February 2, 2026, with thermal generation dropping to about 12.4% amid the retirement of 100 MW of floating thermal capacity earlier in the year.
The government, through Minister Inés Manzano, has confirmed that no electrical outages are expected in 2026, attributing stability to strategic management of hydro resources, planned thermal maintenance schedules, and ongoing investments to strengthen the system. However, close monitoring of climatic patterns remains essential as the dry season approaches. With the rainy season forecasted to resume in April, the energy sector anticipates regaining full hydrological inflows, positioning Ecuador’s power system to withstand potential climate variabilities and maintain autonomous operation without foreign energy imports.
This article was curated and published as part of our South American energy market coverage.
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