Analyst calls on Ecuador to expand power offtake

Ecuador needs to seek markets that will pay the most for surplus power generation, according to sector analyst Xavier Abad.

The expert spoke before the national assembly's economic development committee, which began review of an electric energy public service bill.

"Our energy matrix is envied by Southern Cone countries such as Chile," an assembly statement quoted Abad as saying.

Ecuador boasts interconnections with Colombia and Peru, although the latter operates as temporary support during emergency situations in Peru.

Abad called on legislators to keep an article that would require private and public-private generators to assign 3% of profits to workers and 12% to development in the project area.

Next week, the committee will hear from power and renewable energy minister Esteban Albornoz.

The proposed legislation, in Spanish, is available here.