The hydroelectric deficit has “exceeded a historic record” in Ecuador, the presidency announced on Wednesday April 17, which declared two non-working days to ration electricity and upgrade the country’s electrical installations.
“Senior state officials, including the outgoing minister, voluntarily concealed crucial information on the functioning of the national electricity system,” the presidency said in a statement.
On Tuesday, Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa declared an “emergency” in the electricity sector and demanded the resignation of Energy Minister Andréa Arrobo and appointed Roberto Luque in charge of the transport ministry. and public works.
“Unprecedented acts of corruption and negligence”
According to the presidency, these cover-ups were made “with the aim that the current serious situation would not be known and to prevent timely decision-making.” “Unprecedented acts of corruption and negligence,” she denounced.
“Among the most striking facts, critical stocks of several water reserves and flow deficits from hydroelectric plants (…), a situation which exceeds historical records,” added the presidency.
In addition to the cancellation of 50% of the household electricity bill for April (measure announced Tuesday), the presidency has declared Thursday and Friday as non-working days, while “the strategic sectors of the government will remain mobilized 100% to resolve this energy crisis”.
These two non-working days will allow electricity rationing, the details of which will be announced during the day, and the maintenance of power plants, the press release adds. An investigation was opened and presented to the Attorney General against “22 alleged saboteurs”.