The government of Ecuador has allocated $13.4 million to support communities located near major hydroelectric plants, according to an announcement from the Ministry of Environment and Energy and the state-owned electricity company CELEC EP, through its regional branch CELEC SUR.
This funding covers 46 agreements aimed at benefiting residents in the provinces of Cañar, Azuay, Morona Santiago, and El Oro. These areas are close to the Mazar, Molino, Sopladora, Minas San Francisco, and Alazán hydroelectric facilities. The projects were carried out during 2025.
In the area surrounding the Paute Integral Hydroelectric Complex, CELEC SUR is implementing 27 agreements with local governments, educational institutions, foundations, and social organizations. This effort represents an investment of $8.5 million, with $5 million already disbursed.
For communities near the Minas San Francisco plant in Azuay and El Oro provinces, nine agreements have been established totaling $3.1 million. In addition, ten agreements worth $1.86 million are being executed for those affected by operations at the Alazán facility.
The initiatives funded under these agreements include solid waste management programs and environmental awareness campaigns; partnerships with the Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture to provide technology and resources to rural schools; full scholarships for eight students from nearby communities to attend Universidad del Azuay; conservation efforts targeting high Andean forests and water recharge zones; improvements to potable water systems in both rural areas and urban centers such as El Pan and Guachapala (Azuay) and Chilcaplaya (Pucará); construction of sanitation infrastructure; upgrades to roads and community buildings; technical studies; as well as research projects conducted jointly with universities.
“The National Government reaffirms its commitment to responsible energy management, demonstrating that electricity generation constitutes a pillar of development for communities where power plants operate,” stated officials in their announcement.
