Excellent update, Mike. We returned yesterday from a 2-week trip to Cuenca. Everything was open and the city bustling with activity and the same was true for surrounding jurisdictions. Of course, the Latin American summit contributed to less power outages in El Centro. Ecuadorians are resourceful but the economic stress they are enduring due to the power shortages, fires, and upcoming water rationing was noticeable. Smoke from wild fires was terrible in Cuenca on Saturday morning. Truly there are a lot of challenges going on in Ecuador but we had a great time and are happy we went to support thier tourism economy.
Sweetart was rental occupancy plentiful ? (how did Summit affect? Does it seem more spaces available because of trips cancelled from tourists? I'm heading down next month. Thanks. I'm in northern MI, smoke from fires in Canada this summer were intense.
@@BPe-ie9je Hola. We didn't notice less tourism during Cuenca Days compared to our previous visits at the same time during the prior 2 years. Plenty of tourists including gringos roaming the streets. We stayed at Hostal Suite Le Fabrique for the first time, which we can highly recommend. Enjoy!
Thank you, Mike. I think solar and/ or wind is the way to go. Local climate events will impact how well it works.. Its interesting to see how are social upbringing affects how we preceive our needs.
Hello from Peru. We are also suffering of droughts. Our power comes from different sources, so no outages. It is good to have that Ecuadorian laid back attitude and not complaining about this, but only when it is really necessary, in excess the meaning is being irresponsible with themselves, better to be 50% tranquilo + 50% proactive than 100% tranquilo + 0% proactive. For example, here in Peru, have been addressed the issue of heavy wildfires and the Government are looking for 30 additional helicopters for extinguishing forest fires.
I'm very interested in Peru also. I was focused on Peru first and actually corresponded with two past ambassadors few years back. Hope to explore some of Peru when I get down there.
Even though Ecuador and Peru are neigbouring countries, we can see 2 main different things. 1° Ecuador do have more embelishment across the country, from small towns to big cities, so at first glance Ecuador looks like nice and better. 2° Peru do have better public / private organizations , schools / agricultura reseach / fishing ports / ports / sustenability of food / internet connection / industry / etc. It all is not seen at first glance, while traveling in Peru. One of the thumb down for Peru is just some parts of the country we can see more littering than Ecuador , too. For example the Gobierno Regionales instead of embelishing their towns / cities , are building water reservoirs, water canals, promoting agro exportation, etc.
Thanks Mike. Always insightful. Yes, cities continue to stay open and parts of the city will have electricity. For me, I'm torn between investing in my own generation (Solar, gas turbine) or moving out of the country. As a management consultant who spent most of his career working with utilities, I don't like what I see in Ecuador's response to creating new generation capacity. Waiting for the rain isn't a strategy.
@QuinnPrice You are spot on. I am sure that I will never understand this culture or their way of thinking. Moved here in January of 2013. I hope that this is a wake-up call for those in charge. Cooking with gas and eating in the dark. Ecuadorians do not complain in public, I was told by an Ecuadorian that they complain inside their houses. If I could afford to live somewhere else I would be on the first plane out of here.
Thanks. Yes exactly. I think part of the problem is an election coming so soon so everything is focused on short term. But yes where is the overall longer term plan around energy diversification?
I’m still planning to arrive in February for 3 weeks. My flights are refundable but I have no plans to cancel unless things get a lot worse. Hopefully by then things are better for all of Ecuador. Thanks for updating us. Take care Debra
Hello Mike. We had some problems here in the great white north with our furnace failing intermittently. We also get some power outages , usually when its really cold. So just looking at some options that could tide us over if need be. Not sure if solar is very effective at minus 30 and we have a bunch of trees. I think people are waking up to the idea that self suffuciency is going to be more important. Good of you to share some thoughts on this topic.
@@KrisandMike im concerned about having to make excesive trips and to make the most of my first....for example starting the temporary visa process ( im not privy to Canadian or US dollars so there is a mathematical disadvantage to be managed ) in my case...a question i have would be if there is a cost saving between Gringo Visa and EcuaAssist or could i be considering another service. Im thinking Ecua is cheaper for the same service. Sry for bothering u with such logistical issues in advance.
@@KrisandMike Oh and speaking of avoiding horror stories, one would tend to need legal people who are trustworthy and if there are any legal quirks ppl (ie expats )tend to get into or misinterpret may be discussion worthy as well.
Not a problem at all. Each outage is 6 hour max. Outage for the 24 hour period was a maximum of 12 but it's in smaller chunks. Now it's a maximum of 8hrs with two 4 hr shifts.
Good update. Ordering now with delivery in several weeks seems a bit late to react to the blackouts, but all depends on when the rain comes. Don't you think it's time to update your video description from "We are moving to Ecuador." to something more current? 🙂
Theres always a generator, reading, board games, talking to people, taking walks, etc. Even without electricity, I would still live here just so I don't have to live in the US. Much of Ecuador is NOT tropical. I live in the mountains and it is like Montana in June almost every day. No need for heat or AC. Bring warm clothes for those cold evenings.
I thought that the power cuts were nation wide, but you say that you can run your internet with a generator or powerbank. Why does the internet service providers get electricity, if their customers don’t? I doesn’t make much sense.
Mike, We have family in Colombia & were thinking of flying into Keto with our 2 small dogs. Then traveling to Colombia to visit Family via Air out of Equador. Whats your opinion ?
I think the only issue might be the dog paperwork you will need to do going in both directions. There is a pet Facebook group where you can ask the question. Just search Facebook pet Ecuador from the Facebook group page.
Hello I am a fellow Canadian, about to return to our place in San Clemente, north of Manta. I was told it was all but impossible to get a power station there. You seem to say it takes a week or two??? For that where/how would I order one? Thanks
Check the end of the video and watch the part about tecnova. It has the number. There are others too but I used them. Depends on model of Ecoflow and when they order them from the states. This is the website. www.tecnovo.com.ec/ There are others too. Smaller ones can be ordered from Tiendamia.
Hello sir, I respect your criteria for the causes of the blackouts but honestly they all happen for a political fight. Ecuador has actually about 20% of alternative energies that were built during the government of Rafael Correa. It is not about Hydro electrical power only alone by itself. There is also this thermal electrical power that uses diesel or fossil fuels to work. The issue is that most of the 50% of the new infrastructure was built by Rafael Correa during his government, but this is a big but, he is similar to Donald Trump in the US in many way. He got a position of extreme opposititors in Ecuador that belong to the banking businesses. The bankers and some of the corporations were against Rafael Correa social programs. You must know that America is a place that was always ruled by unfair distribution of resources because mainly the land belong to the Vatican and to the people that were benefited by the Vatican in the past. But the majority live in very extreme poverty, so for that reason the right movements of latinamerica didn’t like his party. And for that reason, they stopped giving maintenance since he left his government in 2017. Since that time there has been no maintenance whatsoever to the electrical infrastructure of Ecuador. For that reason is that we are suffering the blackout today. I hope you understand that this is the silliest possible, but this is the factual truth. it is simply because they don’t want to give the victory of a better country to somebody that does not belong to the inner circle of the corporate power of the world in America.
Excellent update, Mike. We returned yesterday from a 2-week trip to Cuenca. Everything was open and the city bustling with activity and the same was true for surrounding jurisdictions. Of course, the Latin American summit contributed to less power outages in El Centro. Ecuadorians are resourceful but the economic stress they are enduring due to the power shortages, fires, and upcoming water rationing was noticeable. Smoke from wild fires was terrible in Cuenca on Saturday morning. Truly there are a lot of challenges going on in Ecuador but we had a great time and are happy we went to support thier tourism economy.
Thanks for an on the ground update. Many people will find it useful.
Sweetart was rental occupancy plentiful ? (how did Summit affect? Does it seem more spaces available because of trips cancelled from tourists? I'm heading down next month. Thanks. I'm in northern MI, smoke from fires in Canada this summer were intense.
@@BPe-ie9je Hola. We didn't notice less tourism during Cuenca Days compared to our previous visits at the same time during the prior 2 years. Plenty of tourists including gringos roaming the streets. We stayed at Hostal Suite Le Fabrique for the first time, which we can highly recommend. Enjoy!
@@sweetart9905 tks, recommendation.
Love ya Mike. No Bullshit 😅😅😅 Thanks for taking the time and giving us an update.
I’m still coming in February whether you have Hydro or not.
Lol. Thanks for watching it to the end. Lol. Glad you are still coming.
Once again, thanks, Mike!
Thanks 👍
Thank you for great info 😊
Thanks for watching.
Excellent info and commentary
Thanks very much 🙏
Thank you, Mike. I think solar and/ or wind is the way to go. Local climate events will impact how well it works.. Its interesting to see how are social upbringing affects how we preceive our needs.
Great point
Geothermal. They could finish/fix the geothermal plant they have and add more of them. Very clean.
Good update and commentary Mike. All the best to you and Kris. I am in Ontario retired and considering moving abroad.
Thanks. Enjoy doing the research and watching lots of videos.
Thanks Mike, for keeping us updated !
Thanks 👍
Thanks for your update.
👍
Thanks once again for great information!
Thanks 👍
Thanks again for good Ecuadorian news Mike,. Yue are a true ⭐
Too kind. Thanks 🙏
I wish you and your wife the best, Kris.
Thanks 🙏
Hello from Peru. We are also suffering of droughts. Our power comes from different sources, so no outages. It is good to have that Ecuadorian laid back attitude and not complaining about this, but only when it is really necessary, in excess the meaning is being irresponsible with themselves, better to be 50% tranquilo + 50% proactive than 100% tranquilo + 0% proactive. For example, here in Peru, have been addressed the issue of heavy wildfires and the Government are looking for 30 additional helicopters for extinguishing forest fires.
Well said and 100% agree.
I'm very interested in Peru also. I was focused on Peru first and actually corresponded with two past ambassadors few years back. Hope to explore some of Peru when I get down there.
Even though Ecuador and Peru are neigbouring countries, we can see 2 main different things. 1° Ecuador do have more embelishment across the country, from small towns to big cities, so at first glance Ecuador looks like nice and better. 2° Peru do have better public / private organizations , schools / agricultura reseach / fishing ports / ports / sustenability of food / internet connection / industry / etc. It all is not seen at first glance, while traveling in Peru. One of the thumb down for Peru is just some parts of the country we can see more littering than Ecuador , too. For example the Gobierno Regionales instead of embelishing their towns / cities , are building water reservoirs, water canals, promoting agro exportation, etc.
@@davidveraok Interesting insight. These are important things for personal considerations
Thanks Mike. Always insightful. Yes, cities continue to stay open and parts of the city will have electricity. For me, I'm torn between investing in my own generation (Solar, gas turbine) or moving out of the country. As a management consultant who spent most of his career working with utilities, I don't like what I see in Ecuador's response to creating new generation capacity. Waiting for the rain isn't a strategy.
@QuinnPrice You are spot on. I am sure that I will never understand this culture or their way of thinking. Moved here in January of 2013. I hope that this is a wake-up call for those in charge. Cooking with gas and eating in the dark. Ecuadorians do not complain in public, I was told by an Ecuadorian that they complain inside their houses. If I could afford to live somewhere else I would be on the first plane out of here.
Thanks. Yes exactly. I think part of the problem is an election coming so soon so everything is focused on short term. But yes where is the overall longer term plan around energy diversification?
@@KrisandMike It would appear that the higher-ups are unable to think beyond their noses.
@@l.d.d.2062Nothing new.' Survival 'is usually put before principles.
If you own your own home seems putting Solar panels makes sense.
True
Thank you for the information. Our family will be there in January (vilcabamba) so hopefully the fire and power issue will be better.
It will be much better. Everything points to that. Enjoy your trip.
I’m still planning to arrive in February for 3 weeks. My flights are refundable but I have no plans to cancel unless things get a lot worse. Hopefully by then things are better for all of Ecuador.
Thanks for updating us. Take care
Debra
Don't worry. It's not that hard to get used to. It is bound to rain soon.
Thanks 👍. You should have no worries.
It will. Thanks 🙏
Great video Mike. Thanks!
Thanks 🙏
Hello Mike. We had some problems here in the great white north with our furnace failing intermittently. We also get some power outages , usually when its really cold. So just looking at some options that could tide us over if need be. Not sure if solar is very effective at minus 30 and we have a bunch of trees. I think people are waking up to the idea that self suffuciency is going to be more important. Good of you to share some thoughts on this topic.
Thanks very much. Yes I know what's it's like with electric going out when it's below freezing. Good luck.
Im overdue for my first visit... im considering coming for December. The blackouts have slowed down my decision making. Still deciding.
To be safe push it off another Month. Thanks for watching.
@@KrisandMike im concerned about having to make excesive trips and to make the most of my first....for example starting the temporary visa process ( im not privy to Canadian or US dollars so there is a mathematical disadvantage to be managed ) in my case...a question i have would be if there is a cost saving between Gringo Visa and EcuaAssist or could i be considering another service. Im thinking Ecua is cheaper for the same service. Sry for bothering u with such logistical issues in advance.
Both are good and get good reviews. Using the cheaper would be fine. Stay away from the small guys tho. Lots of horror stories.
@@KrisandMike I expect so. Thanks. Best wishes!
@@KrisandMike Oh and speaking of avoiding horror stories, one would tend to need legal people who are trustworthy and if there are any legal quirks ppl (ie expats )tend to get into or misinterpret may be discussion worthy as well.
How do you manage the fridge freezer? Food wise?
Not a problem at all. Each outage is 6 hour max. Outage for the 24 hour period was a maximum of 12 but it's in smaller chunks. Now it's a maximum of 8hrs with two 4 hr shifts.
Good update. Ordering now with delivery in several weeks seems a bit late to react to the blackouts, but all depends on when the rain comes.
Don't you think it's time to update your video description from "We are moving to Ecuador." to something more current? 🙂
Thanks. Yes description is a little outdated. Lol. Will update.
Definitely, Ecuadorians handle it (power cuts) better than expats. My friends don't even mention it.
Yup lol
Theres always a generator, reading, board games, talking to people, taking walks, etc. Even without electricity, I would still live here just so I don't have to live in the US.
Much of Ecuador is NOT tropical. I live in the mountains and it is like Montana in June almost every day. No need for heat or AC. Bring warm clothes for those cold evenings.
Thanks for sharing 🙏
I thought that the power cuts were nation wide, but you say that you can run your internet with a generator or powerbank. Why does the internet service providers get electricity, if their customers don’t? I doesn’t make much sense.
The internet providers, the big ones use generators and battery backup systems.
And there is StarLink
Mike, We have family in Colombia & were thinking of flying into Keto with our 2 small dogs. Then traveling to Colombia to visit Family via Air out of Equador. Whats your opinion ?
I think the only issue might be the dog paperwork you will need to do going in both directions. There is a pet Facebook group where you can ask the question. Just search Facebook pet Ecuador from the Facebook group page.
Hello I am a fellow Canadian, about to return to our place in San Clemente, north of Manta. I was told it was all but impossible to get a power station there. You seem to say it takes a week or two??? For that where/how would I order one? Thanks
Check the end of the video and watch the part about tecnova. It has the number. There are others too but I used them. Depends on model of Ecoflow and when they order them from the states. This is the website. www.tecnovo.com.ec/
There are others too. Smaller ones can be ordered from Tiendamia.
Excellent reporting.. kudos to you. I understand there is a new agreement with Colombia which will resume in a few daze. Is that accurate?
Yes it's active now. And we did have some rain. So today until Thursday it's now down to 8 hours off each day.
We're fly to gye to be in Montanita tomorrow for about 2 weeks. Would love to meet, how can you be reached.
Send me an email at michaelalbertnelson@gmail.com when you are settled and we can try and arrange something. Have a good flight.
I bet if you bought them dinner at the Indian Restaurant, they'd jump! :-))))))) Have fun. Look forward to your update.
Hello sir, I respect your criteria for the causes of the blackouts but honestly they all happen for a political fight. Ecuador has actually about 20% of alternative energies that were built during the government of Rafael Correa. It is not about Hydro electrical power only alone by itself. There is also this thermal electrical power that uses diesel or fossil fuels to work. The issue is that most of the 50% of the new infrastructure was built by Rafael Correa during his government, but this is a big but, he is similar to Donald Trump in the US in many way. He got a position of extreme opposititors in Ecuador that belong to the banking businesses. The bankers and some of the corporations were against Rafael Correa social programs. You must know that America is a place that was always ruled by unfair distribution of resources because mainly the land belong to the Vatican and to the people that were benefited by the Vatican in the past. But the majority live in very extreme poverty, so for that reason the right movements of latinamerica didn’t like his party. And for that reason, they stopped giving maintenance since he left his government in 2017. Since that time there has been no maintenance whatsoever to the electrical infrastructure of Ecuador. For that reason is that we are suffering the blackout today. I hope you understand that this is the silliest possible, but this is the factual truth. it is simply because they don’t want to give the victory of a better country to somebody that does not belong to the inner circle of the corporate power of the world in America.
Thanks for watching and especially thanks for your detailed comment. I appreciate your perspective. Thanks for sharing.
So, if it never rains again, we'll never have electricity again. Not a good plan.
True
My feeling is March 2025.
I hope you are wrong. Lol. Thanks for watching.
This is the problem with green energy
I think the problem is more about lack of backup and energy diversification. Thanks for watching.