In the two years since President Noboa took office, Ecuador has reported a sustained recovery of its national electricity system. The government says this marks an end to the energy crisis that previously affected the country.
According to official information, in 2023 there was little growth in power generation beyond projects already planned, such as Sarapullo (47.3 MW), Minas de Huascachaca (56 MW), and Ulba (1 MW). These additions were described as marginal and did not change the structure of the National Interconnected System. At that time, reservoirs were at about 30% capacity and thermal plants suffered from high levels of unavailability due to lack of maintenance and damaged infrastructure.
Facing these challenges and what officials called the worst drought in history, the government launched emergency processes that added 182.4 MW of new mainly thermal capacity and stabilized system operations during the crisis. Actions were also taken to recover damaged units and expand available capacity at key power plants.
As a result, officials say 2025 represents a turning point for Ecuador’s electricity sector. New capacity added in 2024 became operational, with additional projects increasing generation by about 440 MW from hydroelectric, thermal, and leasing solutions. In total, over two years, more than 860 MW have been added through new generation or restored units—including bringing back 239.6 MW from previously damaged or limited thermal plants. Notable efforts include restoring Trinitaria and major maintenance at Sopladora U2, which is expected to return 162.3 MW to service.
The government states that strengthening firm generation and operational decisions helped preserve reservoirs at optimal levels. While reserves stood at around 30% in 2023, by 2025 the Paute–Mazar chain reached nearly 98% of its capacity with favorable conditions also reported at Pisayambo, Daniel Palacios, and Marcel Laniado reservoirs. This storage is seen as a strategic backup for meeting demand during dry periods or other contingencies.
At the same time, significant progress has been made on transmission infrastructure: more than USD 116 million has been spent through September 2025 on expansions, new lines, and substation upgrades; USD 63.29 million on replacement and expansion of priority infrastructure; USD 140.19 million—financed by CAF—for strengthening electrical supply to the aquaculture sector; and USD 69.55 million for reliability projects funded via tariffs.
Officials conclude that these results show a structural shift compared to conditions in 2023: “The country now has greater firm generation capacity, a recovered thermal park, reservoirs at historic levels, sustained investments in transmission infrastructure, and operational planning that reduces dependence on hydropower resources,” reads part of their statement. “Ecuador now has a more robust, secure and resilient electric system prepared to face dry seasons, guarantee continuous supply and support productive and social growth.”
