Surviving Ecuador's Unpredictable Power Cuts (What Expats Need to Know)

[@xavierandresgrandesandrade1071]

It’s definitely been tough living through these blackouts. I had an online job interview the other day and kept having connectivity issues, for most ecuador nationals like myself leaving the country is the most attractive option.

[@yapatree9495]

Yeah, I certainly see how this could be the last straw for Ecuadorians to consider other options. Hope the interview wasn't completely ruined!

[@elizabethbeaston1318]

@@xavierandresgrandesandrade1071 Think twice about the USA. I hope you are searching for jobs elsewhere. The cost of living in the USA is unimaginable. When we left in 2020 our monthly bills were between $5,000 to $10,000 a month. Housing, food, utilities, health insurance costs are exorbitant.

[@Marcus935OS]

Another great video. And, I totally agree with the "on edge" statement. In our case, we had to throw out the entire contents of a frig due to spoilage and then had to thoroughly disinfect it. We know four people who have had major appliances ruined by power surges (please use a grounded surge protector -- it will prevent most damage). With modern washers and dishwashers, a power outage during their cycle means you have to start all over (wasting water and electricity). We've been here for over ten years and almost every day we expressed our thanks for our decision. Now, due to inept (past and present) politicians we are likely to leave. The generators are greatly increasing pollution and noise. This drought will end, but there will likely be one or more for many years to come. Some comments on the electricity problems. One of the main sources of power is the Mazar dam complex of three dams. The electrical experts would recommend a longer daily blackout to build up the water level. The politicians would say lets use it to the minimum since we can provide power now. The result -- sudden fluctuations of 4 hour cutoffs one day and 12 the next. Instead of smooth and more predictable times, blackout durations have varied wildly. This is the "drunken sailor" electricity planning technique. The President (Noboa) who is running for reelection has generously agreed to greatly reduce (or eliminate) electric bill charges for the three months prior to his election. Hmmmm. Econ 101 suggests that if you lower the price of something demand will increase. A truly genius move. Finally, for those who can afford it, EcoFlow has a sale on a wide range of products to power everything from small appliance to whole house systems. They seem to be half off at the moment. We ordered a $1,000 unit that should power everything we need. Shipping, taxes, etc. are another $500. If you just need to power your computer, modem etc, you might want to consider a small unit with a solar charger. NOTE: I have not used their products, so please do you own due diligence before spending too much.

[@yapatree9495]

Thanks for the thoughtful comments Marcus. Sad to see you guys leave but I understand. The political maneuvering does have thinly veiled populist sentiments. I hope the infrastructure changes are more than this. We've some friends that purchased the EcoFlow setup. My biggest question is the longevity of the batteries etc and being able to calculate long-term ROI of the system. It's definitely a good place to start the search and I think we'll be digging more into this ourselves when we buy our forever home too.

[@friendlyfire7861]

Very informative--thank you!

[@yapatree9495]

Con gusto.

[@MickGoodman]

Thanks, Jason. Excellent video.

[@yapatree9495]

Thanks Ram :)

[@AmericanGenXer]

Before we came here to care for mi suegra, my wife insisted we get a good generator and connect it to our whole house. Really glad I listened. But I feel bad for those that do not have that as option. I do not feel bad for my neighbor who does Karaoke for 48 hours straight when he does have power. No....I do not.

[@yapatree9495]

Good call. I think many are starting to take off-grid style living a little more seriously now. Lol - The sounds of silence can be golden!

[@MatheusTorezani]

Get starlink, eco-flow+ solar. No issues anymore.

[@yapatree9495]

Certainly a good option for those with the means to do so.

[@rantiksadventure1920]

You can rain dance. The rain will benefit everyone.

[@yapatree9495]

*dances happily* thanks!

[@elizabethbeaston1318]

It has been extremely stressful not having definite schedules. On the coast we have had weeks of fourteen hour power cuts per day, then six hours, now we are at twelve hours per day. We are retired and I couldn't imagine having to work during this madness.

[@yapatree9495]

It has been tough. We're fortunate to still be able to work, but I generally say that we're working twice as hard for half the incentives.

[@2ndSprings]

it's been tough down here south of Loja for the past couple of months also. The fires are an even worse problem. 😞

[@yapatree9495]

It does feel a bit like rolling with the punches at the moment. Fires are also close to Cuenca and air is terrible right now. Rain please!

[@2ndSprings]

@@yapatree9495, preach!

[@AmericanGenXer]

Yeah, looking pretty grim there. Stay safe, my friend.

[@2ndSprings]

Thanks, good neighbor. :-)

[@Frisbeetennis]

Let me put it this way. I believe the authority scheduling the power cuts, if they crapped their pants they would change their shirt. There needs to be a rhyme and reason not a dartboard approach. Buying a generator only exasperates the pollution problem here in Cuenca. Now with the Cajas burning paradise is slipping into a dry river basin(pick one).

[@yapatree9495]

It does appear as though the schedulers are going through numerous outfits...

[@timallison8560]

sounds like ecuador might not be the place to be

[@yapatree9495]

The current issues will pass. The bigger questions are how often these extreme weather events will happen and whether the government will learn from this.

[@veroland3768]

Yes please don't come to Ecuador! Stay and fix the earth's global warming right where you are at. Colonization started this mess so you guys should fix it instead of contributing to it.

[@livingabroadwitheric]

Hey jason, i really enjoy the clear ideas given in your videos! Youre a great public speaker. Im a Digital nomad that came on a 🏍 from USA and am currently in Cuenca making some content for my channel and telling stories of some expats living here. Do you have any interest in meeting up for a quick chat?

[@yapatree9495]

Thanks Eric! Appreciate that. I just checked out your channel, biking from the US sounds fun. Let's grab a coffee. I'll message you now.

[@friendlyfire7861]

Has anyone found a way to purchase a solar generator online and get it shipped here?

[@AmericanGenXer]

@friendlyfire7861 yes, Tiendamia or talk to a mule. I have 3, a 284wh, 724wh, and 448wh. 1 from tiendamia. 2 from a mule... but it gets pricey.

[@friendlyfire7861]

@AmericanGenXer Thanks!

[@friendlyfire7861]

@@AmericanGenXer Cool. Got something from tiendamia that should power the router. Now hopefully it will take closer to the 5 days than the 12 days 🤣

[@amseam3705]

Are you starting to see any solar being added to apt buildings even if this a long term investment? Living in Florida we have been seeing a boom and the local power company is trying to head off individual production by putting in solar farms.

[@yapatree9495]

Starting to see a little bit, hoping to see more. I'd suggest part of the slow take up is the red tape of studies etc that need to be completed for solar projects for buildings. It can take long time to get approval.