Control Commission begins proceedings; final report expected by November 14th.
The National Assembly’s Control Commission has commenced the trial phase in the political case against former Energy and Mines Minister Andrea Arrobo, with the final report due by November 14th.
Lawmakers suggest this trial may not only address the actions of Arrobo herself but could expose a broader chain of responsibility among officials for recent electricity blackouts affecting Ecuador.
Although the political trial was first introduced in April 2024, it has gained fresh relevance amidst ongoing nationwide power outages and the upcoming 2025 general elections, in which both President Daniel Noboa and over 100 legislators are expected to seek re-election.
The trial phase, which began in the absence of Arrobo, who submitted a 25-page written defense, is set to continue until November 10th. In her document, Arrobo argued that the blackouts, which first emerged in April, were unforeseeable and unavoidable. She cited natural phenomena and structural deficiencies within the energy sector as primary causes. “After nearly five months of technical efforts, it is unfortunate to have to defend myself against an unfounded political accusation driven by factors beyond human control,” she stated.
Arrobo also revealed that on April 10th, she received a warning from then-Secretary of Civil Service Arturo Félix Wong about intelligence alerts concerning the suboptimal operation of thermoelectric plants.
Broader Inquiry into Energy Crisis
Legislator Ana Galarza from the Construye party has called for the testimony of Paúl Urgilés, the former manager of the Ecuadorian Electrical Corporation (CELEC), who is one of 22 officials implicated in the government’s complaint for alleged public service interruption and treason.
Galarza emphasized that Arrobo and her successors were forewarned of an energy shortfall expected in September 2024 but failed to implement the “No More Blackouts” law. Galarza argued that the government ignored technical recommendations to bolster thermoelectric capacity, opting instead to import electricity from Colombia.
Additional documents have been requested from the National Electricity Operator (Cenace) detailing energy production, electricity procurement, and reservoir levels dating back to 2020. These reports include findings from the Energy Crisis Control Commission issued in January and July 2024, which will now be included in the trial’s evidence.
Call for Accountability Across Administrations
Assembly member Vicente Taiano of the Social Christian Party (PSC) voiced that the trial should serve not only to address Arrobo’s alleged noncompliance but also to investigate accountability within the broader executive branch. Taiano noted that officials were reportedly alerted about potential power issues, including concerns about maintenance of thermoelectric and hydroelectric plants.
According to Taiano, the trial should clarify the responsibilities of officials across multiple administrations. He emphasized the need for a thorough audit of the energy sector, encompassing planning and budget execution during the presidencies of Lenín Moreno, Guillermo Lasso, and the current administration under Daniel Noboa.
“While the Noboa administration bears responsibility for the past ten months, this is an issue that has escalated due to longstanding failures in planning, problematic contracts, and policy shifts,” he said.
In her presentation, Galarza reiterated that the trial is also an opportunity to understand why power outages occurred earlier in the year when Arrobo led the Ministry of Energy and Mines. She argued that a lack of preventive action led to the current crisis and called for accountability among all officials who neglected early warnings.
Public Demand for Clarity and Solutions
The political trial is seen by legislators as an essential step toward establishing transparency and assigning responsibility within Ecuador’s energy sector. They hope it will shed light on policy missteps and clarify the roles of high-ranking officials, not only in the current administration but also under previous governments.
Lawmakers have expressed that beyond punitive measures against Arrobo, the trial should provide Ecuadorians with a clear understanding of the causes behind blackouts that have stretched up to 16 hours daily in some areas. They stress that this process should drive accountability, ensuring that officials address structural issues within the nation’s energy infrastructure.
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