The Ecuadorian government, through the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MAE) and the National Electricity Operator (CENACE), has signed a contract with Hitachi Energy (United States) to implement a new Control Center for the National Interconnected System (SNI). The agreement was finalized on November 25, 2025, as part of an initiative to improve the operation and oversight of Ecuador’s electric system.
This project is being carried out under an interinstitutional cooperation agreement between MAE and CENACE, with funding from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). The selected provider will deliver, install, and commission a modern IT platform tailored to meet current challenges in Ecuador’s electricity sector. The contract value is USD 10,755,000.04 plus VAT.
According to officials, the need for a new Control Center was identified in 2023 due to expansion in the electrical system and the integration of new technologies such as photovoltaic plants, wind farms, and energy storage systems. These changes require advanced tools so that CENACE can fulfill its role as Technical Operator of the SNI and ensure reliable real-time operations at both national and international interconnection levels.
The scope of work includes designing, supplying, integrating, configuring, parameterizing, installing, and commissioning a new SCADA/EMS system. This covers hardware, software, operating systems, antivirus solutions, applications, and all related services. The upgrade represents a comprehensive overhaul of existing technology infrastructure to align with top international standards for functionality and cybersecurity.
Officials stated: “El nuevo Centro de Control estará preparado para asumir los roles asignados a CENACE como Participante y Coordinador del Mercado Andino Eléctrico Regional de Corto Plazo (MAERCP), fortaleciendo la confiabilidad, continuidad y estabilidad del suministro eléctrico del país en un entorno regional de creciente interconexión.” (“The new Control Center will be prepared to assume the roles assigned to CENACE as Participant and Coordinator of the Andean Regional Short-Term Electricity Market [MAERCP], strengthening reliability, continuity and stability of electricity supply in an increasingly interconnected regional environment.”)
Final delivery of the project is scheduled for September 2027. Authorities say this step marks significant progress in modernizing Ecuador’s energy sector by providing essential tools for present and future challenges facing national electricity operations.
