QUITO (AP) — In the midst of an energy crisis in Ecuador that causes daily electricity rationing to the population, the Ecuadorian Minister of Energy confirmed on Saturday that Colombia disconnected from the binational interconnection system, which affects the stability of the network Ecuadorian, so its reestablishment is sought.
The sale of electrical energy from Colombia to Ecuador was already suspended, so the disconnection has nothing to do with the supply but with the Colombian electricity network remaining tied to the interconnection system, the Ecuadorian Minister of Energy explained at a press conference. Roberto Luque.
“They are not providing energy to us or us to them, it only implies an issue of voltage frequency in the national electrical grid; It is better that we have it, (because) theirs being a large network, it makes our electrical system more stable,” said Luque.
Luque explained that when the level of sediment increases in the flow of water that feeds the Coca Codo hydroelectric plant – the largest generation in Ecuador – the gates must be closed so that the material does not damage its turbines and it goes out of operation; By doing so, the Ecuadorian electrical system absorbs energy from the Colombian one, which is why that country decided to disconnect.
The binational interconnection system, with a transmission capacity of more than 400 megawatts, is implemented through two lines with double circuits each, installed between the Pomasqui substations, in Ecuador, and Jamondino, in Colombia.
The Ecuadorian minister added that through dialogue between representatives of the energy operating companies of both countries, mechanisms for restoration are being sought.
Regarding the electricity rationing regime, Minister Luque reported that due to the improvement of the reservoirs of the main generation plants due to the rains, there will be no blackouts on Sunday, but they will return on Monday, without a deadline. for their purpose.
Ecuador has a generation deficit of 1,000 megawatts per day compared to an average consumption of 4,570 megawatts. According to official figures, losses due to the energy crisis are 72 million dollars a day.
Colombia is also experiencing a drop in hydroelectric generation due to the decrease in reservoirs due to the absence of rain, although it has not reached energy rationing.
The electrical interconnection between Ecuador and Colombia was completed in 2003 through an agreement endorsed within the Andean Community of Nations as part of regional integration actions.
