Government Rules Out the Blackouts

According to experts, about 700 megawatts (MW) of power are out of operation, 500 of them are destined for power plants maintenance and 200 are hydraulic.

The Minister of Electricity, Miguel Calahorrano, ruled out the possibility of electricity rationing in the dry season which will start in October and will end on March 2011.

Calahorrano said that an additional supply of 400 megawatts exists as a backup for the next drought, so that the internal domestic demand will be fully stocked.
“In the country there is a transmission and distribution system with about 50 plants, so there is no problem because one or two plants are under maintenance,” said Calahorrano.

Calahorrano insists there is a surplus of 10% of energy so the country won´t suffer rationating therefore blackout.

Dams Mazar and Daule-Peripa, which are the largest grocers country’s energy, are at the top, he said. This guarantees more than 200 megawatts fixed.
Medardo Cadena, manager of the Electricity Corporation of Ecuador (Celec) added that the Trinitarian power plants with 133 megawatts, and Victoria II in 102 megawatts of power, are now available and ready to operate when the system requires.

Joins Esmeraldas power plant with capacity of 125 megawatts, which will be ready in late September.

The officials agreed that the rehabilitation plan and maintenance of power plants, with an investment of $ 35 million, is progressing according to what was planned.
If for any reason the claim is not covered by this energy available, the country will import an additional 10% energy from Colombia, said Gabriel Arguello, general manager of the National Energy Control (Cenace).

“Currently, conditions in Colombia have improved and guarantees a daily transfer of 220 megawatts, which could be increased to 300 megawatts continuous for 24 hours,” he said.

Energy Saving
The Ministry of Electricity will reset the energy saving campaign for the Ecuadorians consume less during the months of drought.

Weather
Under its terms, the climatic conditions of Ecuador, during the drought this year, will not be as drastic as the previous year.

Additional energy
For this year the national system will be interconnected hydropower plant Mazar, which operates with a turbine, and central-Peripa Daule.