Living with Power Cuts in Ecuador: How To Adapt

It’s 6:45 am. I’m running around the house frantically instead of easing into my cherished morning routine. But no, it’s a race against the clock because lights go out at 7 am. No hot water, no cooking, no internet, no phone signal, and, of course, no lights.

Electricity is one of those things most people take for granted. Do you want light? You flip on the switch. Do you need the internet? Just open your laptop or turn on your phone. But that’s not the story here in Ecuador right now.

Sure, we’ve had cuts before. But a few months ago, out of the blue, I woke up to a new level of chaos. It has given me some frustrating moments to be honest.

On the positive side, though power cuts are a challenge, they’ve given me a deeper appreciation for the little things in life like a quiet evening lit by candlelight or the first sound of the refrigerator when power returns. These moments remind me that every challenge has its silver lining.

What’s Going On?

Because of a severe drought across Latin America this year, the worst in 60 years, plus some government complications, we’re dealing with harsh electricity cuts—up to 14 hours a day.

This has been the routine for months.

There have been major issues for our hydroelectric plants, which are the main source of electricity here. 

Hydropower typically provides around 80% of Ecuador's electricity, and we're dealing with significant low water levels.  

The government did try to import power from Colombia to help relieve the problem, but drought conditions there forced Colombia to suspend exports to Ecuador, making the situation even more challenging. 

Official estimates say the blackouts could last into December or even into 2025, with some relief potentially coming toward the end of November if alternative sources and conservation efforts kick in as planned. 

This crisis is more than inconvenient, it’s hard for the economy. I feel like we have gone back to the pandemic times. 

Now, with each hour of outages, businesses are estimated to lose around $12 million, forcing the government to accelerate private investment in the energy sector as a long-term solution. 

Hopefully, these efforts will help improve reliability moving forward, but for now, the impact on daily life is significant and ongoing.

What Do Electricity Cuts Entail?

Depending on where you live, the impact varies. Some apartment buildings have generators; some houses have gas stoves and gas-heated water. But in my case? Nope, we have been fully electric for both cooking and hot water. 

Now, every few days, a new schedule comes out, dictating when we’ll have power. It changes often, and if you suddenly notice the power going out “off-schedule,” it’s because, most likely, the schedule was updated again. 

For example, in my neighborhood, this is the recent schedule:

– 12 am to 7 am:  Electricity on

– 7 am to 2 pm:   No electricity

– 2 pm to 5 pm:  Electricity on

– 5 pm to 12 am:   No electricity

How It Affects Daily Life

Daily Struggles

Ever feel like you’re racing against time? That’s daily life here now. Everything—work, cooking, showering, laundry—has to be done before the next power cut.

The traffic situation doesn’t help either. Traffic lights go out too, and often the police aren’t there to direct, so it’s just a chaotic mix of people trying to get through intersections. You go through, hoping it all works out. Frustrated drivers don’t have a lot of patience, and the usual courtesy at intersections disappears.

Unexpected Benefits

On the other hand, the forced downtime has me going to bed earlier some days. That part has been wonderful, while getting up early has helped me squeeze in some online work before my cuts at 7 am.

And with more time spent in the dark, I’ve had more time to just sit with friends or family, which can be a good thing.

But let me tell you, looking out at a pitch-black neighborhood with just a candle flickering nearby, talk about a mood.

What a Day in the Life of My Work Looks Like with Power Outages

As I described earlier, I wake up early and start running.  No, not working out, instead, I am running against the clock.  

When we have electricity for 3 hours in the afternoon, I have to plan accordingly.  I make sure I am ready for the day before 7 am.  This means sometimes either getting up really early to workout,  (but sometimes not as it is still dark outside until 6am and it is better not to be out during the dark. That is for another post.) or just get ready and eat breakfast.

Once I am ready, I head out for work in the morning.  The traffic is congested these days but I ride a motorcycle so that helps me get through the traffic jams quicker.

I spend most of the day out and about and try to get back for my 3 hours of power so I can work on any emails, presentations, or projects I have to do.  I cook something quickly during this time, charge my phone and computer, and do my laundry.

After my 3 hours are finished, I take advantage of any daylight there is left until 6 pm when the sun sets every day.  I work offline on anything I can.  

After that I live by candlelight and eventually head to bed early.  

How Are Businesses Dealing with this?

Work productivity has dropped across the board here, especially for small businesses. Those who can afford it are investing in generators, but the crisis has made everything feel harder. I have seen a lot of small businesses close their doors.

Remote workers are flocking to coffee shops now (and good for the shops!). The ones with generators have become hot spots, literally and figuratively, with WiFi and espresso machines still running.

Malls are having to adapt too, changing opening hours to match their generators’ capacity. Imagine stepping into a mall and seeing one whole side containing the food court and coffee shops, in total darkness. The workers look as stunned as you feel.

My ways to cope?

In Latin America, and really anywhere, it’s good to learn to be comfortable with the uncomfortable.

• As a foreigner, it’s easier for me to just leave, which some people suggest. But my life is here. I could invest in a generator, but the prices have tripled, and they’re loud and can be toxic to run in certain places. 

• Some people use UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) to keep routers and a laptop running longer. We’re waiting on a restock, as they sold out quickly, but they’re a backup option for now. 

• We just bought a gas stove, which is an absolute game-changer for cooking at any hour. Since the fridge is off more than on, it's wise not to overstock on perishables.

• I always keep essential items handy: a flashlight, power bank, candles, and a good book.

• I have learned to plan for the power outages by organizing any work I need to do online or calls I have to make. If I know I have a short amount of time to do something, I become completely focused. This has been amazing for me to see in myself.

Having more “offline” time is very healthy, and I haven't had this for years. I sleep better. I have long conversations with people. And mostly, I seem to enjoy the simple things in life more so now.

Similar Situations

The only similar experience I can relate to was over 25 years ago here, living without running water for three weeks. It was a constant scramble to get water, but I’d still take no lights over no water. Right now, other cities in Latin America are rationing water, with cuts lasting 24-48 hours. 

The Ongoing Debate

I’m in a few online expat groups, and some people have brushed off the situation. Tourists even say they don’t feel affected and that “Ecuador is still paradise.” 

But this experience isn’t the same for everyone, and foreigners with generators or flexible schedules might not fully grasp the struggle.

Adapting to three hours of power each day for all you need to do is exhausting. The constant urgency feels almost like a kind of persecution. I can tell I’m changing too, in ways I never expected.

What’s Next?

Hopefully, rain. Or successful negotiations with neighboring countries. 

This week, it finally started to rain a few times, though our rivers are still dry. At least this holiday weekend, we had a lighter schedule and got 10 hours of electricity. It felt luxurious!

Going through this has opened my eyes to climate resilience. Everyone should have some basics ready like a generator, candles, a way to cook, and a reliable water source.

I’m working on patience, gratitude, and being better prepared in my small world. There’s only so much we can control, but if we can build compassion and collaborate, future hardships might be a little easier to face together.

These challenges have taught me resilience and made me more resourceful. Even in the darkest moments, literally, there are opportunities to adapt and find joy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:  Why are there power outages in Ecuador?  

A:  Ecuador’s power cuts stem from an extreme drought that drained water levels at the hydro plants, which provided around 80% of our electricity. The government has had to schedule rolling blackouts, sometimes stretching up to 14 hours a day, to balance the limited supply.

Q:  How long are the power cuts expected to last?  

A:  The outlook is rough. Officials say we may face outages until December or even into 2025. There’s some hope for relief by late November, as they’re working on new power sources and conservation efforts.

Q:  What are the effects of these outages on daily life? 

A:  The disruptions are huge. Routines are turned upside down—cooking, heating water, getting online, or running a business all depend on the limited power windows. Some people have managed by getting gas stoves or generators, but companies, especially those needing constant electricity, are facing severe challenges.

Q:  How is the government addressing the power crisis? 

A:  The government is looking to boost private investment in energy. They’ve also tried to bring in electricity from Colombia, though Colombia’s dealing with drought, too, which has made that option difficult.

A:  How can residents cope with the power cuts? 

Q:  Preparing for these outages takes some planning. Gas stoves and UPS systems (battery backups) help cook and keep key electronics running. Sticking to a schedule to get things done during the power-on times makes daily life smoother.

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