QUITO, Ecuador (AP) — Ecuador on Tuesday began to ration electricity in the country’s main cities as a drought linked to the El Niño weather pattern depletes reservoirs and limits output at hydroelectric plants that produce about 75% of the nation’s power.
The power cuts were announced on Monday night by the ministry of energy, which said in a statement that it would review its decision on Wednesday night.
“We urge Ecuadorians to cut their electricity consumption in this critical week,” the statement read. “And consider that each kilowatt and each drop of water that are not consumed will help us face this reality.”
The power cuts in Ecuador come days after dry weather forced Colombia’s capital city of Bogotá to ration water as its reservoirs reached record lows, threatening local supplies of tap water.
Precipitation has diminished in Ecuador and Colombia this year due to warming temperatures in the south Pacific Ocean, which can cause floods along South America’s west coast but can also generate intense droughts in the Andean valleys, where many of Ecuador’s and Colombia’s main cities are located.
University of Arizona student shot to death at off
Hunan Strengthens Girls' Legal Protection
Women's Social Organizations Provide Caring Services to Children
Offices Help Mediate Family Disputes
Iconic former Uruguayan President Jose Mujica says he has esophageal cancer
Anhui to Adopt Measures to Combat Domestic Violence
Procuratorate, Federations Strengthen Protection of Women, Children's Rights, Interests
County Helps Residents Resolve Marital, Family Disputes
China's archaeological site parks register strong revenue growth
Street Known for Good Family Values, Traditions
Matt Ryan will join NFL Today, Simms and Esiason depart
Digitalization Adds Impetus to Women's Development