Political Science ETDs

Publication Date

Fall 12-13-2025

Abstract

Ecuador’s growing reliance on hydropower has positioned it as a regional leader in renewable energy development. However, recent droughts have exposed the vulnerability of this energy model in the face of climate change. In 2024, widespread blackouts underscored the risks of overdependence on hydroelectricity in the country. The media suggested that the cause of the blackouts was due to an abnormal drought that year. However, climate change alone cannot explain the lack of use of other generation sources to meet demand. suggesting that a review of political choices could provide insight into the sector's failure. This research examines the political factors that led Ecuador to transition from a period of electricity abundance to a period of poor electrical power service delivery. This paper relies on qualitative data collection, drawing on interviews with engineers, energy scholars, politicians, water experts, electricity experts, and workers from electricity distribution, transmission, and generation companies, among others. Findings suggest that the transition to poor service delivery were caused by factors such as predictable climate change occurrences, an unpredictable climate change intensity, changes in the bureaucracy of the sector, changes in ideology after years of major hydro investment, insufficient financial capacity in the sector, and lack of political accountability.

Degree Name

Political Science

Level of Degree

Masters

Department Name

Political Science

First Committee Member (Chair)

Jami Nelson Nunez

Second Committee Member

William Stanley

Third Committee Member

Sarah Dreier

Language

English

Keywords

politics of energy, hydropower, climate change, green energy policy, blackouts

Document Type

Thesis

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