The entity also indicated that sales decreased by 20 percent due to different factors, including additional expenses such as purchasing generators and diesel, suspending or modifying production planning, and people buying less.

In addition, due to the blackouts, which began more than a month ago, there are five percent fewer jobs. This information is still being analyzed as reported by the national television news system.

Faced with the losses, businessmen demanded tax flexibility and that the schedules of the announced interruptions be respected.

The mayor of Quito, Pabel Muñoz, asserted that the power outages are stifling businesses that depend on energy to survive. “We cannot sit back and do nothing while many are on the verge of bankruptcy. Quito will not stop in December and will continue with the scheduled events producing with self-supply and without connecting to the public grid, to boost the economy,” he said.

The Ministry of Energy and Mines announced that the 12-hour daily blackouts that began last weekend will continue in the coming days.

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