The government of Ecuador, together with the Ministry of Environment and Energy and Corporación Eléctrica del Ecuador (CELEC EP), has allocated USD 13.4 million to support communities near hydroelectric plants in the provinces of Cañar, Azuay, Morona Santiago, and El Oro during 2025.
Through CELEC SUR, 46 agreements were carried out to benefit these communities, which are located close to the Mazar, Molino, Sopladora, Minas San Francisco, and Alazán hydroelectric centers. Of this investment, USD 8.5 million is being used for 27 agreements in the area around the Paute Integral Hydroelectric Complex. According to officials, USD 5 million from this amount has already been disbursed.
In Azuay and El Oro provinces near Minas San Francisco plant, nine agreements are active with an investment of USD 3.1 million. In areas surrounding the Alazán plant, ten agreements are underway with a budget of USD 1.86 million.
The projects cover several areas such as integrated solid waste management and environmental awareness campaigns; technology provision and infrastructure improvements for rural schools through partnerships with education authorities; full scholarships for eight young people from neighboring communities at Universidad del Azuay; protection efforts for high Andean forests and water recharge zones; expansion of potable water systems in rural communities like El Pan and Guachapala (Azuay) and Chilcaplaya (Pucará); construction of sanitation systems; road improvement works; community infrastructure upgrades; technical studies; as well as research initiatives with universities.
“The National Government reaffirms its commitment to responsible energy management, demonstrating that electricity generation is a driver of development for communities where power plants operate,” stated officials from the government.
