Ecuador Electricity Demand Hits 5,634.31 MW July Record
Ecuador's electricity demand reached 5,634.31 MW at 19:00 on July 15, 2026, the highest level recorded so far this year, according to Cenace.
Demand Above Plan
The previous 2026 high was 5,543 MW on June 30.
The July 15 peak also exceeded the 2023-2032 Electricity Master Plan projection for 2026, which estimated a maximum peak of 5,206 MW under a normal-consumption-growth scenario.
Average demand also rose. Between January and July 15, 2026, average demand in the National Interconnected System reached 4,230 MW, compared with 3,465 MW for all of 2025.
Generation Mix At Peak
At 19:00 on July 15, national generation also reached 5,634.31 MW, enough to meet demand at that moment.
| Source | Share at peak |
|---|---|
| Hydroelectric plants | about 78% |
| Thermal plants | 19% |
| Non-conventional renewables | remaining share |
Operating Risk
The demand record raises the pressure ahead of the dry season, which runs from October to March and reduces flows into major hydroelectric plants.
El Niño is expected to have its strongest period between November 2026 and January 2027, adding coastal-temperature demand risk and possible transmission/distribution damage from intense rain.
What To Watch
Watch average demand, Colombian import availability, thermal-rental start dates, hydro reservoir behavior, and whether new peaks continue before October.
Source
Primicias — “Consumo de electricidad en Ecuador marca récord en julio de 2026 y supera todas las proyecciones”
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