In Palmas parish, located in the Sevilla de Oro canton of Azuay province, a business fair was held with the participation of 25 local entrepreneurs. The event was organized by Corporación Eléctrica del Ecuador (CELEC EP) through its CELEC SUR business unit as part of the 15th anniversary of the Mazar hydroelectric plant.
Entrepreneurs presented a range of products and services including tourism tours, canoe rides, community lodging, food offerings, cleaning services, and other activities related to tourism and the local economy.
According to CELEC EP, “During these 15 years of operation, Mazar has contributed to strengthening and consolidating several community businesses, as well as promoting new ventures that provide services to the CELEC SUR Business Unit in areas such as cleaning, transportation and maintenance of the Mazar reservoir.”
Within the area influenced by the Paute Integral Hydroelectric Complex—which includes Mazar (170 MW), Molino (1,100 MW), and Sopladora (487 MW) plants—CELEC SUR is currently managing 27 agreements with local governments, educational institutions, foundations, and social organizations.
Ongoing projects focus on solid waste management and awareness campaigns; strengthening education systems through technology and infrastructure; providing full scholarships for eight young people from local communities at Universidad del Azuay; protecting high Andean forests and water recharge zones; expanding potable water systems; environmental sanitation with new sewage systems; improving roads and community infrastructure; technical studies; as well as research projects and technology transfer.
CELEC EP stated: “La CELEC EP reafirma su compromiso con una gestión energética responsable, demostrando que la generación eléctrica no solo garantiza energía limpia y confiable, sino que también promueve el desarrollo sostenible para las comunidades donde operan las centrales eléctricas.” This translates to: “CELEC EP reaffirms its commitment to responsible energy management, demonstrating that electricity generation not only guarantees clean and reliable energy but also promotes sustainable development for communities where power plants operate.”
