2024-07-03 21:42:08
Roberto Luque, acting Minister of Energy and Mines, explained the causes of the massive failure of the electrical system that affected several cities in Ecuador during the afternoon of Wednesday, June 19, 2024.
In a press conference held at Ecu 911 in Samborondón, Luque said that at 3:17 p.m. the National Electricity Operator (CENACE) registered a blackout, caused by a failure in the 257 megawatt Milagro-Soray transmission line. This problem caused a massive collapse in the system and a shortage of power in the power generating plants.
Luque traveled to Guayaquil to hold a Crisis Committee and discuss four points regarding the incident: background, possible causes, estimated reconnection times and current situation.
The last event with these same characteristics recorded in the country was in 2004. Other similar events have occurred in recent years in Brazil and Argentina.
The minister said the blackout is further evidence that Ecuador’s energy system is in crisis due to a lack of investment and maintenance by previous governments.
Luque reiterated that the National Government will conduct an investigation to determine what caused the failure in the transmission line.
In some provinces, electricity has been restored, while in other parts of the country, such as parts of Guayaquil, it will take three to four hours. Luque said this is because some places have electricity supplied by thermal power plants that are not yet fully operational.