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During the recent return of power outages in various provinces of Ecuador, President Daniel Noboa announced that he has declared a state of emergency in the country’s energy sector and has requested the resignation of Energy Minister Andrea Arrobo.
Noboa attributed the need for rationing to alleged acts of “sabotage” aimed at undermining his government and the security referendum scheduled for this Sunday. The decision was made public during a scholarship award event in Guayaquil.
“Today we have made a tough decision because we had to declare a state of emergency in the country’s energy sector. I have asked the minister to resign and we have initiated an investigation into sabotage, as there have been incidents at certain power plants,” Noboa stated.
The president claimed that the alleged sabotage in the electricity sector is an attempt to interfere with the results of Sunday’s popular consultation, where Noboa is proposing reforms to the Armed Forces’ role in internal security and the fight against organized crime.
“We will not allow this to happen. This sabotage is being carried out miserably, just a week before a popular consultation, because they know they are losing. We are taking this investigation seriously and will not rest until those responsible are brought to justice,” Noboa declared.
The Ministry of Energy confirmed on Monday night that temporary rationing will be implemented to manage demand nationally due to unprecedented challenges affecting the country’s energy system.
As a gesture to reassure the population, President Noboa announced that the government will cover 50% of household electricity bills for the month of April.
In response to the electricity distribution companies’ reports on power outage schedules, President of the National Electoral Council Diana Atamaint stated that the government aims to prevent any power outages on election day, April 21, and is working on contingency plans for the energy emergency.
