This energy crisis sucks big time .I agree 100% on all your points, and i do feel trapped in a situation that could have been looked up and resolved before it comes to such a crisis
Ace, I totally agree with all you've said and I appreciate your honesty and straight forward approach to delivering your message. As a future immigrant to Ecuador, I truly appreciate your honesty.
I totally agree with you. I hope to return to Cuenca sometime in the next year or so, but not before this situation is resolved. My thoughts are with you all.
Anyone who is able to romanticize the power outages is in a position of EXTREME privilege. It's insulting to the people suffering through it. I hope your family is okay and that the situation improves soon ❤.
I would disagree that saying "I can spend more time with my family" or the like (romanticizing) might be someone in Extreme Privilege. I know these sellers in the mercado who have reduced their hours and yeah, it results in more time with family. But it's more of a coping mechanism, going with the flow of the current situation. It's Ecuador and it's sad that saying just THAT is an explanation in itself. These people have installed multiple governments, and the corruption and disorganization blossoms each time.
Unironically the main people who I’ve heard romanticize the crisis are exactly people who are in positions of extreme privilege. Friends and co-workers are sick and tired of not having power and are looking for ways to have some power. Few people (that aren’t businesses) want to risk buying a generator only to have it be useless when this ends. Thank you for your comment and your good wishes, we will get through this! ✨
@@AmericanGenXerI agree with the idea that it’s a coping mechanism that some people are applying because I’ve seen the other extreme where people are not taking any time off because they know they have to work, my dad is the perfect example of this. I recently had a talk with a friend and she finds it strange that people are romanticizing the crisis because people have been known to fight for less and our two conclusions for why they’re doing this are: 1- they’re getting used to how things are. Bad things happen all the time and trying to make a change never works. 2-they know there’s nothing they can personally/individually do. You try to do something and either you fail because you don’t have support or you get “taken care of” for being a good person. I hope one day things change.
@@GMAceM A generator would end up useless? 2 Years ago, my family here had a few blackouts that already convinced me a generator would not be useless. Being prepared is not a bad thing. I understand it is an expense 9A VERY LARGE ONE RIGHT NOW) but INTENTIONALLY not being prepared is a problem that keeps on giving here. It's why the backup power generation plants were not ready to go... no maintenance, we don't need them.... it's going to keep being that way if we don't think ahead here. Just my opinion. Love your videos!
They are just trying to minimize all of the problems so that they don't have to rush to fix them. Btw, they have several errors in that letter regarding the blackout schedules. You would think that the government's letters would be flawless.
@@GMAceM Thanks so much, ACE. I have been watching your videos for many months now, including some in Spanish, which I will be learning. I have been having second thoughts about January, and contacted Airbnb asking their advice. I may be postponing my trip :( however, I love everything I have read about Cuenca! Four Universities, a Symphony Orchestra, Museums and music and festivals!!! I'll know in a day or two if my plans change.
@@tidalcreeku2b hope the plans are still in play because I’m sure you’d enjoy a short visit, just make sure to keep informed and come prepared! I’m really hoping that by January everything’s going to be better even more so since that’s when it’s my birthday lol 🎉
Good video, Ace! I agree with the poster who commented that anyone who romanticizes this is in a position of extreme privilege. Pure BS. The situation is ridiculous with far ranging economic, political and health implications.
You're NOT exaggerating. This is a big deal and it's REALLY HARD. Right when I started a Substuck, the blackouts started and made everything super hard. I'm even more nervous when the power is on, worrying that I'm going to forget to do something important or that I won't finish everything before the power goes off again. I find myself unable to trust any schedule they give us. I left the country yesterday for a month. When the Ecuadorian immigration agent asked me: Reason for Travel? I said: "Electricity." He laughed and laughed. EVERYONE is having a hard time.
Amen! It makes me so mad to see people in expat spaces doing just this... I'm a gringa but I'm not one of the gringos that can afford to lose work. This has me stressed, it has my cat stressed because her schedule is off and on top of everything I got my september light bill, and it was HIGHER than the one for August, even tho we had blackouts for half of September. And I keep saying, I worry about life after the crisis is "over," and everything's been privatized- privatized utility bills are no joke. Living in a similar sized house in NC in the US, I'd pay a minimum of $100/month for lights.
When you look at the average expat Facebook group they are speaking to the average expat, ie retired people. Retired people expat or not should be able to chill and do things like garden, go shopping, eating and nap during blackouts. I feel that everyone recognizes that it is harder for people who need to work with electric.
The Ecuadorian people don’t deserve this horrible situation. It’s not to be taken as a normal and acceptable thing. The president neglected it’s constituents by putting his own interests above the Ecuadorian citizens. According to experts’s electric engineers, as soon as Noboa took power, he had to solve this coming crisis. He didn’t assign the economic resources to give maintenance to 21 electrical power plants that haven’t given their proper maintenance for 7 years. What’s more, in the presidential debate, he already knew the situation and he stated about it but he didn’t do anything to fix it. I have to mention that several countries in South America have been experiencing the luck of rain but not one haven this electric crisis. Do you know why? Because those governments must have a plan to follow; even if Noboa hasn’t have a plan, he could use Correa ‘s National Electric Plan which ends in 2030, but because he is his political enemy, Noboa didn’t want to even listen to the experts. Shame on him.
If the water can be held back, then the power can be "saved" as in not generated. Then, the water is no longer there for later. However, it makes sense to have full power to turista areas like el centro in Cuenca during Cuenca holidays
Thanks for checking the vid out and sorry to say that so far this wouldn’t exactly be the best time. I’m hoping for things to change but every day that seems to be farther and farther from happening.
Maybe I'm just oblivious but I live in Ecuador and I haven't heard anyone romanticizing the crisis. Everyone I talk to pretty much agrees it sucks, to varying degrees depending on your livelihood and needs, and everyone who can leave is leaving. I feel like it's only weirdos on Facebook that might be making "silver lining" type posts, and I'm not on Facebook enough to be sure of that.
@@David-d5o7g thanks for sharing your experience! I'm sorry that you have to move because of this chaos, and that people are being so quick to assume it's your fault. I live in Cuenca (typical gringa, lol) and I suppose the people here, at least the ones I talk to, don't think that way. One thing that really surprises me is how grateful people are when I show a little understanding for things taking longer due to the power cuts. For example, I dropped something off at the tailor last week and, obviously, it took longer than expected because of the power cuts. My tailor seemed to expect me to be rude or angry, and showed a lot of gratitude when I wasn't. It made me think some people are really expecting miracles from the working class in this crisis, which is ridiculous. So while I don't see romanticization of the crisis here, it wouldn't be the first time I saw a grown adult throwing a tantrum and having ridiculous expectations.
Very well said. I am so glad these issues are addressed by Ecuadorians because if a gringo / gringa would've said exactly the same things other gringos would jump on that person saying "if you are not happy here go back where you came from." So my dear friend, double thank you for having the courage to telling it as it is, for having the huevos to tell the truth.
It is very understandable that you are tired of no power, and the anger from the lack of predictable schedules. There are no easy answers. But the people will learn and be better prepared in the future. More solar, more other sources. It will also teach many to be more self reliant. Not fun but in the long run may pay dividends.
Very well put together video. You made a lot of good points, the power cuts have been a huge pain like having to wake up at midnight to do laundry because the power went out before it was done and the kids need their school uniforms. The wild power cut schedules (although I know the reasoning or well I think i do) have made getting stuff done very difficult. Plus the $500 dollars a month to buy gas’s for the generators is starting to really hurt.
The rationing is a blunt instrument, kind of a sledge hammer. Raising the prices would work much better even though it would seem unfair on the surface to many people. It takes a little explaining, but it wod work better than the seemingly random total shutoffs.
I have been here in Ecuador for all of it. We bought a generator back in February when they were much cheaper. But yeah, it can still be stressful. I gotta work too. Heck, most of my videos are about it!
1) I can't possibly express enough my sympathy for all Ecuadorians in this situation. 2) In my time in Ecuador, all Ecuadorians were patient and kind with this gringo.......except for the drivers who are guilty as charged by the commentator. 3) It's easy for me sitting somewhere with full power 24/7 to recommend patience. Well, I believe there is no viable alternative. Getting mad will not bring more rain. It's my wish the rains are heavy and they fill the dams, returning Ecuador to a well supplied power situation. Much love to my Ecuadorian brothers and sisters.
The energy crisis will happen as long as the people allow it to. so far they are being very tolerant. I haven't seen any signs of anyone wanting to send a message to the government that it's time to change. Just lots of good people dealing with it the best they can.
I was planning on spending December and January in Ecuador unfortunately I changed my plans because the energy crisis it seems to have gotten worse. It's unbelievable how a country would have electric problems like Ecuador has in the year 2024. It really makes no sense
Other countries have been hit by drought and energy problems. Their response shows how adults take on the crisis. I'm seeing a clown show in the Ecuadorian response. Communicate the plan to get generation capacity expanded. Wait for rain? Yikes. How are we encouraging private funding of generation for solar, gas, geothermal? How are we getting our act together on blackout communication? I'm leaving Ecuador. Associates call me a wimp for not riding it out.
I keep wondering why they don't publish a map, not that impossible PDF. But the best explanation I've heard is that they don't want clarity because that way they can officially have less shutoffs than they really do. Wimp for leaving? I don't think so. It's been 8 months plus of this, and the way things are going, I'm not confident there will be enough rain before we officially hit the dry season again. They can only store 45 days of water anyway, and I read recently that with el Nino, we could be in the same situation till sometime in 2026. And that won't have solved anything for real before then. So I wouldn't feel bad about giving up at all. God didn't give this to you as an assignment, so if you have a better option, there is no reason not to take it. And btw I don't think denationalizing energy is in the cards.
I hope you take the opposite path Don Shader chose on his channel dismissing any rebuttal to his political statements as 'aggressive politics' which affects his channel's style. It's important to make yourself be heard, especially during this artificially self-sabotaged crisis that is ruining our lives. Keep it up Mr. Ace!
That would help, along with market prices. At least they could take a guess at what would create equilibrium, but raising the prices would be the best way to manage this crisis.
Best wishes. My worst power outage was three winter days where I stayed in bed with two big dogs under the blankets for heat...just tried to sleep through it 🤙
Appreciate the good wishes. I find myself laying down on the floor sleeping through certain hours of the day when there’s no power. I wanted to plan a video for today but might be lacking in components for it lol
I am spending the holiday on Atacames Beach. Thus far, we have plenty of power. But I plan to be here through next weekend. We'll see what happens here come Monday!
@GMAceM Power is turned off nightly between 8 pm and midnight during the week. On the weekends, they were very generous, only shutting off the power between 6 am. and 8 am.
Unorganized is an understatement! I have to question if they're following a different time zone when publishing the power cuts! As for traffic chaos, why in the world wouldn't Ecuador adopt traffic rules like western nations? When a traffic light is defective, it should be treated as a 4-way stop. Simple enough. As it is now, city bus drivers just drive at full speed without any consideration for potential dangers. Just praying we get rain and lots of it. And after we do, the conversation needs to continue by the government to improve systems so that when things fall apart the people are ready and prepared to deal with it.
Raising the prices is something they could do in the short term. That way electricity would at least be available when you really needed it, and you could conserve in you own terms rather than on random shutoffs for ?? number of hours.
What I mean is that I have to organize what I do with the time that I have power and the time when I don’t. What that looks like is something like this: If I see there’s gonna be no power at 7 and power comes back at 4 but I’m at work and get back at 5, I know I have to get home, rush to get changed and cook my meal so that I at least have 1 hour (or a little more) of power so that I don’t eat in the dark. Even for making this video I recorded when the power came back (3PM) and I finished around 5, had my meal and then lost power at 8 so I took a nap on the floor (because it’s fresh) and I had to edit from 12-3:30AM because that was when power came back. You can imagine that all of this is very stressful.
Unfortunately, this will become more and more common due to climate change and species extinction. Probably the best option that Ecuador has, as well as other South American countries, is to switch to solar energy. It's expensive, but it could also become a new economic sector, the countries in the north don't have as much sun. Hopefully this crisis will soon be over. I'm sending you lots of strength!❤
Climate change shouldn't be everyone's fall back position. You might was well blame the gods. Being prepared is the answer regardless of how much the effects of climate are exaggerated or not, and Ecuador was not prepared. There is only 45 days of power saved up when the dams are full. Colombia has 6 months worth! So it's no wonder who is doing OK and who isn't now that the inevitable drought has hit, whether the climate-change boogeyman caused it, or Zeus, or Dr. Evil.
I know you weren't asking me, but they say the economy went from expected 2% growth to -1%, and I think it will be worse. As for real estate, prices hardly change generally; with incredibly low property tax, there is no reason not to wait for your price. However, I notice that expats are finally starting to abandio ship, and it is that kind of property that may go down in price. You don't really get statistics, but anecdotally, I see some properties hanging forever, a couple lowered prices, and a couple unchanged prices but with other incentives. I also see more items for sale that look like the kind of thing expats sell when they leave. Not too much now, but people are coming here less, decreasing demand, and IMO if the blackouts continue into the next dry season, I would kind if expect a lot of current people to throw in the towel and sell at lower prices than they'd like.
Ace, I hope you're doing as well as one could reasonably expect. More than 6 months back, your Dad shared some words of wisdom from his Ecuadorian circle of contacts. At the time, you helped him translate, and he said due to ignoring some preventive maintenance, a few major parts were essentially inoperable, and new parts were on order from China. You carefully explained it was likely going to be six month for these parts to arrive. Short term, it rained, and it seemed to temporarily fix the situation, however being well informed by your Dad, I knew this wasn't long term sustainable without major repairs. Does your Dad have instincts he could share about what he sees coming up? Additionally, would you be nice enough to turn on the Spanish subtitle option? Thanks for your consideration, and hang in there.
Hey Pedro, Not gonna lie but it is taking its toll on us and more specifically on me. I’m running around to get things done almost every day and find myself lacking time no matter how fast I work. I’m at work right now connected to my cell phone data plan and I have to be outside in a specific area for it to even work. My dad has some insight on the situation but I’d have to schedule with him to see if it’s possible to have him on stream in these upcoming days or next week. I have turned on the Spanish subtitles and as always, thanks for your comment!
More than potential there’s already a paro (strike) that’s been called for (edit: apparently just a match of some sort). Supposedly it was today in Quito but at this moment I wouldn’t really be able to say if it did or didn’t happen. What I will say from my personal perspective is that people are tired. I’m surprised but at the same time not that people have been putting up with so much since in the past they’ve put up with less. The reason I’m not surprised is because realistically what sort of action can immediately be done in regards to getting more power? You can’t force it to rain and even implementing a new power source can’t be done overnight.
Hey Ace you know the Ecuadorian people are just trying to make a living when there's electricity 4 inches in the marketplace in Guayaquil you see these people selling dollar products they're hustling and all the merchants are the stores you know that are trying to make sells all the competition and having electricity go out how can people survive in that environment. And then the young woman that are selling themselves not all of them I respect the Ecuadorian people you guys got to do something either Go solar or you might have to even go nuclear nuclear is safe Germany has it all the European nations have it. But the United States ain't going to let you all right.
The people need to finally rise up and hit the streets. This is not acceptable, it is not normal and it is not romantic unless we have a sudden birth increase in 9 months from now. We are now in the 21st century but these kinds of occurrences in Ecuador makes it look like it is still stuck in the 20th century for lack of foresight, lack of vision , lack of innovation and for the plague of corruption. As each passing day goes by Ecuador is slipping into a 4th world status, if that is even a thing,. This is a country still trying to recover from the pandemic and also trying to survive the skyrocketing crime wave from just the last 4 years. How much more the the pueblo have to endure of all this chaos and madness? Ecuador has become a do nothing country and the people are not taking action unfortunately to get their leaders to move their fat asses. It seems to me every time something can and will go wrong to easiest thing to do is to continue scapegoating Correa. You fall from your bicycle break an arm "It is Correa;s fault!!". It is the most stupidest thing I have ever seen in my life since we are already 3 presidents later and 7 years later since Corres has been around. Corra is a touchy issue and by no means I am saying i am a fan but enough is enough and let's move on already and stop wasting time with the blames, finger pointing and childish behavior and let's get to work quickly and find solutions to this crisis once and for all people. How much more can the economy take? it is not good for business any of this mess. Again, first the pandemic, we saw how it hurt businesses. Second how can a business stay afloat if they are getting robbed and/ or extorted? They simply have to shutter. And not third, no business can operate without power. This trifecta of events simply leads to less production is all sectors, more unemployment, more hunger, and finally, even more crime. Yet these leaders don't seem to get it or they simply don't care for their own people, their own country. It is time the people, el pueblo get their voices heard and tell banana boy they have had ENOUGH of this sh@t!!
This energy crisis sucks big time .I agree 100% on all your points, and i do feel trapped in a situation that could have been looked up and resolved before it comes to such a crisis
Ace, I totally agree with all you've said and I appreciate your honesty and straight forward approach to delivering your message. As a future immigrant to Ecuador, I truly appreciate your honesty.
Thanks!
Thank you!
I totally agree with you. I hope to return to Cuenca sometime in the next year or so, but not before this situation is resolved. My thoughts are with you all.
Your videos are informative, and they are very good! We need to hear the truth. You can not work with deception and lies, but only the truth.
Anyone who is able to romanticize the power outages is in a position of EXTREME privilege. It's insulting to the people suffering through it. I hope your family is okay and that the situation improves soon ❤.
I would disagree that saying "I can spend more time with my family" or the like (romanticizing) might be someone in Extreme Privilege. I know these sellers in the mercado who have reduced their hours and yeah, it results in more time with family. But it's more of a coping mechanism, going with the flow of the current situation. It's Ecuador and it's sad that saying just THAT is an explanation in itself.
These people have installed multiple governments, and the corruption and disorganization blossoms each time.
@@AmericanGenXer you are both right
Unironically the main people who I’ve heard romanticize the crisis are exactly people who are in positions of extreme privilege. Friends and co-workers are sick and tired of not having power and are looking for ways to have some power. Few people (that aren’t businesses) want to risk buying a generator only to have it be useless when this ends.
Thank you for your comment and your good wishes, we will get through this! ✨
@@AmericanGenXerI agree with the idea that it’s a coping mechanism that some people are applying because I’ve seen the other extreme where people are not taking any time off because they know they have to work, my dad is the perfect example of this.
I recently had a talk with a friend and she finds it strange that people are romanticizing the crisis because people have been known to fight for less and our two conclusions for why they’re doing this are:
1- they’re getting used to how things are. Bad things happen all the time and trying to make a change never works.
2-they know there’s nothing they can personally/individually do. You try to do something and either you fail because you don’t have support or you get “taken care of” for being a good person.
I hope one day things change.
@@GMAceM A generator would end up useless? 2 Years ago, my family here had a few blackouts that already convinced me a generator would not be useless. Being prepared is not a bad thing. I understand it is an expense 9A VERY LARGE ONE RIGHT NOW) but INTENTIONALLY not being prepared is a problem that keeps on giving here. It's why the backup power generation plants were not ready to go... no maintenance, we don't need them.... it's going to keep being that way if we don't think ahead here. Just my opinion. Love your videos!
They are just trying to minimize all of the problems so that they don't have to rush to fix them. Btw, they have several errors in that letter regarding the blackout schedules. You would think that the government's letters would be flawless.
Thank you for your honest thoughts on the energy situation in Ecuador, and your bravery in speaking out about how it's being handled.
I hope the power crisis ends soon! You have my empathy!! I still look forward to visiting Cuenca soon!
Here’s hoping it ends soon! I’m sure your trip to Cuenca is going to be awesome 💯
@@GMAceM Thanks so much, ACE. I have been watching your videos for many months now, including some in Spanish, which I will be learning. I have been having second thoughts about January, and contacted Airbnb asking their advice. I may be postponing my trip :( however, I love everything I have read about Cuenca! Four Universities, a Symphony Orchestra, Museums and music and festivals!!! I'll know in a day or two if my plans change.
@@tidalcreeku2b hope the plans are still in play because I’m sure you’d enjoy a short visit, just make sure to keep informed and come prepared! I’m really hoping that by January everything’s going to be better even more so since that’s when it’s my birthday lol 🎉
Good video, Ace! I agree with the poster who commented that anyone who romanticizes this is in a position of extreme privilege. Pure BS. The situation is ridiculous with far ranging economic, political and health implications.
You're NOT exaggerating. This is a big deal and it's REALLY HARD. Right when I started a Substuck, the blackouts started and made everything super hard. I'm even more nervous when the power is on, worrying that I'm going to forget to do something important or that I won't finish everything before the power goes off again. I find myself unable to trust any schedule they give us. I left the country yesterday for a month. When the Ecuadorian immigration agent asked me: Reason for Travel? I said: "Electricity." He laughed and laughed. EVERYONE is having a hard time.
Amen! It makes me so mad to see people in expat spaces doing just this... I'm a gringa but I'm not one of the gringos that can afford to lose work. This has me stressed, it has my cat stressed because her schedule is off and on top of everything I got my september light bill, and it was HIGHER than the one for August, even tho we had blackouts for half of September. And I keep saying, I worry about life after the crisis is "over," and everything's been privatized- privatized utility bills are no joke. Living in a similar sized house in NC in the US, I'd pay a minimum of $100/month for lights.
When you look at the average expat Facebook group they are speaking to the average expat, ie retired people. Retired people expat or not should be able to chill and do things like garden, go shopping, eating and nap during blackouts. I feel that everyone recognizes that it is harder for people who need to work with electric.
Love your channel, Ace, thanks for sharing!
Thanks a ton for checking it out, hope all is well over where you’re at!
The Ecuadorian people don’t deserve this horrible situation. It’s not to be taken as a normal and acceptable thing. The president neglected it’s constituents by putting his own interests above the Ecuadorian citizens. According to experts’s electric engineers, as soon as Noboa took power, he had to solve this coming crisis. He didn’t assign the economic resources to give maintenance to 21 electrical power plants that haven’t given their proper maintenance for 7 years. What’s more, in the presidential debate, he already knew the situation and he stated about it but he didn’t do anything to fix it. I have to mention that several countries in South America have been experiencing the luck of rain but not one haven this electric crisis. Do you know why? Because those governments must have a plan to follow; even if Noboa hasn’t have a plan, he could use Correa ‘s National Electric Plan which ends in 2030, but because he is his political enemy, Noboa didn’t want to even listen to the experts. Shame on him.
If the water can be held back, then the power can be "saved" as in not generated. Then, the water is no longer there for later. However, it makes sense to have full power to turista areas like el centro in Cuenca during Cuenca holidays
Wow this breaks my heart! I had no idea. And I wanted to come over and vacation and Ecuador 🥺
Thanks for checking the vid out and sorry to say that so far this wouldn’t exactly be the best time. I’m hoping for things to change but every day that seems to be farther and farther from happening.
Maybe I'm just oblivious but I live in Ecuador and I haven't heard anyone romanticizing the crisis. Everyone I talk to pretty much agrees it sucks, to varying degrees depending on your livelihood and needs, and everyone who can leave is leaving. I feel like it's only weirdos on Facebook that might be making "silver lining" type posts, and I'm not on Facebook enough to be sure of that.
@@David-d5o7g thanks for sharing your experience! I'm sorry that you have to move because of this chaos, and that people are being so quick to assume it's your fault. I live in Cuenca (typical gringa, lol) and I suppose the people here, at least the ones I talk to, don't think that way.
One thing that really surprises me is how grateful people are when I show a little understanding for things taking longer due to the power cuts. For example, I dropped something off at the tailor last week and, obviously, it took longer than expected because of the power cuts. My tailor seemed to expect me to be rude or angry, and showed a lot of gratitude when I wasn't. It made me think some people are really expecting miracles from the working class in this crisis, which is ridiculous.
So while I don't see romanticization of the crisis here, it wouldn't be the first time I saw a grown adult throwing a tantrum and having ridiculous expectations.
True, patience eventually wears thin, and that silver tarnishes.
Hope there is a resolution soon. People deserve better than this.
Very well said. I am so glad these issues are addressed by Ecuadorians because if a gringo / gringa would've said exactly the same things other gringos would jump on that person saying "if you are not happy here go back where you came from." So my dear friend, double thank you for having the courage to telling it as it is, for having the huevos to tell the truth.
It is very understandable that you are tired of no power, and the anger from the lack of predictable schedules.
There are no easy answers. But the people will learn and be better prepared in the future. More solar, more other sources.
It will also teach many to be more self reliant. Not fun but in the long run may pay dividends.
Very well put together video. You made a lot of good points, the power cuts have been a huge pain like having to wake up at midnight to do laundry because the power went out before it was done and the kids need their school uniforms. The wild power cut schedules (although I know the reasoning or well I think i do) have made getting stuff done very difficult. Plus the $500 dollars a month to buy gas’s for the generators is starting to really hurt.
The rationing is a blunt instrument, kind of a sledge hammer. Raising the prices would work much better even though it would seem unfair on the surface to many people. It takes a little explaining, but it wod work better than the seemingly random total shutoffs.
I have been here in Ecuador for all of it. We bought a generator back in February when they were much cheaper. But yeah, it can still be stressful. I gotta work too. Heck, most of my videos are about it!
1) I can't possibly express enough my sympathy for all Ecuadorians in this situation. 2) In my time in Ecuador, all Ecuadorians were patient and kind with this gringo.......except for the drivers who are guilty as charged by the commentator. 3) It's easy for me sitting somewhere with full power 24/7 to recommend patience. Well, I believe there is no viable alternative. Getting mad will not bring more rain. It's my wish the rains are heavy and they fill the dams, returning Ecuador to a well supplied power situation. Much love to my Ecuadorian brothers and sisters.
The energy crisis will happen as long as the people allow it to. so far they are being very tolerant. I haven't seen any signs of anyone wanting to send a message to the government that it's time to change. Just lots of good people dealing with it the best they can.
The fact of the matter is there is no choice regardless of what the people say. Yes it can be fixed IN TIME, but not magically overnight.
I just see it as people trying to be positive about it instead of panicking.
I was planning on spending December and January in Ecuador unfortunately I changed my plans because the energy crisis it seems to have gotten worse. It's unbelievable how a country would have electric problems like Ecuador has in the year 2024. It really makes no sense
Other countries have been hit by drought and energy problems. Their response shows how adults take on the crisis. I'm seeing a clown show in the Ecuadorian response. Communicate the plan to get generation capacity expanded. Wait for rain? Yikes. How are we encouraging private funding of generation for solar, gas, geothermal? How are we getting our act together on blackout communication? I'm leaving Ecuador. Associates call me a wimp for not riding it out.
I keep wondering why they don't publish a map, not that impossible PDF. But the best explanation I've heard is that they don't want clarity because that way they can officially have less shutoffs than they really do.
Wimp for leaving? I don't think so. It's been 8 months plus of this, and the way things are going, I'm not confident there will be enough rain before we officially hit the dry season again. They can only store 45 days of water anyway, and I read recently that with el Nino, we could be in the same situation till sometime in 2026. And that won't have solved anything for real before then. So I wouldn't feel bad about giving up at all. God didn't give this to you as an assignment, so if you have a better option, there is no reason not to take it.
And btw I don't think denationalizing energy is in the cards.
I hope you take the opposite path Don Shader chose on his channel dismissing any rebuttal to his political statements as 'aggressive politics' which affects his channel's style. It's important to make yourself be heard, especially during this artificially self-sabotaged crisis that is ruining our lives. Keep it up Mr. Ace!
Great reporting! Can we talk about bringing US military bases back to Ecuador?
It’s all about privatization
That would help, along with market prices. At least they could take a guess at what would create equilibrium, but raising the prices would be the best way to manage this crisis.
definetly sucks doing long distance with my girlfriend living in ecuador at the moment :,)
Best wishes. My worst power outage was three winter days where I stayed in bed with two big dogs under the blankets for heat...just tried to sleep through it 🤙
Appreciate the good wishes. I find myself laying down on the floor sleeping through certain hours of the day when there’s no power. I wanted to plan a video for today but might be lacking in components for it lol
@@GMAceM😂 seriously.
I am spending the holiday on Atacames Beach. Thus far, we have plenty of power. But I plan to be here through next weekend. We'll see what happens here come Monday!
I hope things in Atacames stay well!
@GMAceM Power is turned off nightly between 8 pm and midnight during the week. On the weekends, they were very generous, only shutting off the power between 6 am. and 8 am.
Unorganized is an understatement! I have to question if they're following a different time zone when publishing the power cuts! As for traffic chaos, why in the world wouldn't Ecuador adopt traffic rules like western nations? When a traffic light is defective, it should be treated as a 4-way stop. Simple enough. As it is now, city bus drivers just drive at full speed without any consideration for potential dangers. Just praying we get rain and lots of it. And after we do, the conversation needs to continue by the government to improve systems so that when things fall apart the people are ready and prepared to deal with it.
The traffic rules are fine. The question is if people follow them or they are fairly enforced.
Until it starts raining there is nothing that will help at least in the short term.
Raising the prices is something they could do in the short term. That way electricity would at least be available when you really needed it, and you could conserve in you own terms rather than on random shutoffs for ?? number of hours.
Hey amigo, when you say scheduling your time, while off of work, what do you mean?
What I mean is that I have to organize what I do with the time that I have power and the time when I don’t.
What that looks like is something like this:
If I see there’s gonna be no power at 7 and power comes back at 4 but I’m at work and get back at 5, I know I have to get home, rush to get changed and cook my meal so that I at least have 1 hour (or a little more) of power so that I don’t eat in the dark.
Even for making this video I recorded when the power came back (3PM) and I finished around 5, had my meal and then lost power at 8 so I took a nap on the floor (because it’s fresh) and I had to edit from 12-3:30AM because that was when power came back.
You can imagine that all of this is very stressful.
@@GMAceMExactly right, and when you throw in the unexpected cutoff...
Unfortunately, this will become more and more common due to climate change and species extinction. Probably the best option that Ecuador has, as well as other South American countries, is to switch to solar energy. It's expensive, but it could also become a new economic sector, the countries in the north don't have as much sun. Hopefully this crisis will soon be over. I'm sending you lots of strength!❤
Climate change shouldn't be everyone's fall back position. You might was well blame the gods. Being prepared is the answer regardless of how much the effects of climate are exaggerated or not, and Ecuador was not prepared. There is only 45 days of power saved up when the dams are full. Colombia has 6 months worth! So it's no wonder who is doing OK and who isn't now that the inevitable drought has hit, whether the climate-change boogeyman caused it, or Zeus, or Dr. Evil.
As a potential expat looking to Manta for retirement sadly your Power Crisis has led me to strike Ecuador off my list.
Can you talk about how this crisis affects the economy and real estate.
I know you weren't asking me, but they say the economy went from expected 2% growth to -1%, and I think it will be worse. As for real estate, prices hardly change generally; with incredibly low property tax, there is no reason not to wait for your price. However, I notice that expats are finally starting to abandio ship, and it is that kind of property that may go down in price. You don't really get statistics, but anecdotally, I see some properties hanging forever, a couple lowered prices, and a couple unchanged prices but with other incentives. I also see more items for sale that look like the kind of thing expats sell when they leave. Not too much now, but people are coming here less, decreasing demand, and IMO if the blackouts continue into the next dry season, I would kind if expect a lot of current people to throw in the towel and sell at lower prices than they'd like.
Ace, I hope you're doing as well as one could reasonably expect.
More than 6 months back, your Dad shared some words of wisdom from
his Ecuadorian circle of contacts. At the time, you helped him translate, and
he said due to ignoring some preventive maintenance, a few major parts were
essentially inoperable, and new parts were on order from China.
You carefully explained it was likely going to be six month for these parts to arrive.
Short term, it rained, and it seemed to temporarily fix the situation, however being
well informed by your Dad, I knew this wasn't long term sustainable without major repairs.
Does your Dad have instincts he could share about what he sees coming up?
Additionally, would you be nice enough to turn on the Spanish subtitle option?
Thanks for your consideration, and hang in there.
Hey Pedro,
Not gonna lie but it is taking its toll on us and more specifically on me. I’m running around to get things done almost every day and find myself lacking time no matter how fast I work. I’m at work right now connected to my cell phone data plan and I have to be outside in a specific area for it to even work.
My dad has some insight on the situation but I’d have to schedule with him to see if it’s possible to have him on stream in these upcoming days or next week.
I have turned on the Spanish subtitles and as always, thanks for your comment!
@@GMAceM Thank you Ace. If you'd consider filming your Dad independent of a Live. Perhaps a 5-10 minute summary of his thoughts? This might be great.
@@GMAceM Hang in there Ace.
What do you think about the potential for civil unrest if the drought, cuts and water rations continue?
More than potential there’s already a paro (strike) that’s been called for (edit: apparently just a match of some sort). Supposedly it was today in Quito but at this moment I wouldn’t really be able to say if it did or didn’t happen. What I will say from my personal perspective is that people are tired. I’m surprised but at the same time not that people have been putting up with so much since in the past they’ve put up with less. The reason I’m not surprised is because realistically what sort of action can immediately be done in regards to getting more power? You can’t force it to rain and even implementing a new power source can’t be done overnight.
Where is your Spiderman suit?
*I see it in the mirror
Thanks for letting us know. What Channel is this journalist please?
Do you think the word directly translates to romatizing?
Hey Ace you know the Ecuadorian people are just trying to make a living when there's electricity 4 inches in the marketplace in Guayaquil you see these people selling dollar products they're hustling and all the merchants are the stores you know that are trying to make sells all the competition and having electricity go out how can people survive in that environment. And then the young woman that are selling themselves not all of them I respect the Ecuadorian people you guys got to do something either Go solar or you might have to even go nuclear nuclear is safe Germany has it all the European nations have it. But the United States ain't going to let you all right.
Blackouts in t e states AWAYS lead to a baby boom, so, someone is getting "quality time" with someone lmao
The people need to finally rise up and hit the streets. This is not acceptable, it is not normal and it is not romantic unless we have a sudden birth increase in 9 months from now. We are now in the 21st century but these kinds of occurrences in Ecuador makes it look like it is still stuck in the 20th century for lack of foresight, lack of vision , lack of innovation and for the plague of corruption. As each passing day goes by Ecuador is slipping into a 4th world status, if that is even a thing,. This is a country still trying to recover from the pandemic and also trying to survive the skyrocketing crime wave from just the last 4 years. How much more the the pueblo have to endure of all this chaos and madness? Ecuador has become a do nothing country and the people are not taking action unfortunately to get their leaders to move their fat asses. It seems to me every time something can and will go wrong to easiest thing to do is to continue scapegoating Correa. You fall from your bicycle break an arm "It is Correa;s fault!!". It is the most stupidest thing I have ever seen in my life since we are already 3 presidents later and 7 years later since Corres has been around. Corra is a touchy issue and by no means I am saying i am a fan but enough is enough and let's move on already and stop wasting time with the blames, finger pointing and childish behavior and let's get to work quickly and find solutions to this crisis once and for all people. How much more can the economy take? it is not good for business any of this mess. Again, first the pandemic, we saw how it hurt businesses. Second how can a business stay afloat if they are getting robbed and/ or extorted? They simply have to shutter. And not third, no business can operate without power. This trifecta of events simply leads to less production is all sectors, more unemployment, more hunger, and finally, even more crime. Yet these leaders don't seem to get it or they simply don't care for their own people, their own country. It is time the people, el pueblo get their voices heard and tell banana boy they have had ENOUGH of this sh@t!!
14 hours?????? damn
It has been a shit show
Ya! reading in the dark. Great hobby while the economy is on the verge of collapse.
Boicott Noboa
Hey amigo, when you say scheduling your time, while off of work, what do you mean?