Powering Ecuador’s Grid Upgrade

In 2025, Ecuador’s national power company CELEC (Compañía Ecuatoriana de Electricidad) and its transmission arm Transelectric launched a critical national grid upgrade project, investing over $278 million to build new transmission systems and expand four key substations across the country. The project aimed to address the country’s ongoing power infrastructure challenges, including frequent blackouts caused by aging equipment, insufficient transmission capacity, and vulnerability to extreme weather conditions following the 2024 energy crisis. As a trusted wire and cable exporter with extensive experience in large-scale power projects, Dongguan GERITEL Electrical Co., Ltd. was selected to supply high-quality wires and cables, playing a pivotal role in ensuring the project’s success and enhancing Ecuador’s power distribution reliability.

1. Ecuador’s Urgent Need for Grid Resilience

Ecuador’s power sector has long relied heavily on hydropower, making its grid susceptible to droughts and climate fluctuations. The 2024 energy crisis exposed critical flaws in the country’s transmission system, with widespread daily blackouts causing significant economic losses and disrupting public services. To address these issues, CELEC and Transelectric initiated a comprehensive upgrade project in early 2025, focusing on building three new high-capacity transmission systems (La Avanzada, Tanicuchí, and Cajas) and expanding four existing substations, all designed to boost grid capacity, improve voltage stability, and reduce downtime.

However, the project faced several key challenges that threatened its timeline and effectiveness. First, the tropical climate of Ecuador—characterized by high humidity, heavy rainfall, and temperature variations—required wires and cables that could withstand harsh environmental conditions without compromising performance. Second, as a national infrastructure project, all components needed to meet strict international safety standards and certifications, including UL (Underwriters Laboratories) certification, to ensure long-term reliability and compliance with global power industry norms. Third, the project demanded a wide range of wire and cable sizes and types to accommodate different parts of the transmission system, from substation connections to long-distance power lines. Finally, CELEC/Transelectric needed a supplier with proven experience in large-scale power projects to ensure on-time delivery and technical support, as delays would further exacerbate the country’s energy challenges.

2. Tailored Wire Products to Address Ecuador’s Grid Pain Points

After conducting a detailed assessment of CELEC/Transelectric’s needs, Dongguan GERITEL proposed a comprehensive solution centered on three core wire products—THHW Wire, MV-90 Cable, and Power Cables (Type TC-ER)—each selected for their unique advantages in addressing the project’s specific challenges. We also integrated XHHW electric cable power distribution solutions to enhance the overall efficiency and reliability of the transmission system, ensuring seamless power flow across the new and upgraded infrastructure.

The THHW Wire supplied for the project included sizes ranging from 12 AWG to 4/0 AWG, featuring a thermoplastic high-heat resistant nylon coating that sets it apart from standard wires like THHN. Unlike THHN wires, which have a PVC jacket and are only suitable for dry locations, our THHW Wire is designed for both wet and dry environments, with a temperature rating of 75°C (167°F) in wet conditions and 90°C (194°F) in dry conditions. This made it ideal for Ecuador’s humid climate, as it resists moisture penetration and corrosion, reducing the risk of short circuits and equipment failure. The wire’s nylon coating also provides superior mechanical protection, making it durable enough to withstand the rigors of outdoor installation and long-term use.

THHN stranded copper cable UL83

For medium-voltage transmission lines and substation connections, we supplied MV-90 Cable in 15kV and 35kV ratings, with conductor sizes from 2 AWG to 350 kcmil. The MV-90 Cable features ethylene-propylene rubber (EPR) insulation, which offers excellent electrical performance and thermal stability, even in extreme temperature variations. Its corrugated copper shield provides superior moisture resistance, ensuring the cable remains reliable even when buried underground or exposed to heavy rainfall—critical for Ecuador’s frequent rainstorms. Compared to traditional medium-voltage cables, our MV-90 Cable has a higher insulation level (133%) and a rugged polyethylene jacket that resists oil, chemicals, and physical damage, making it perfect for the project’s demanding outdoor and underground installations.

To support the project’s cable tray and direct burial requirements, we provided Power Cables (Type TC-ER) in sizes from 14 AWG to 4/0 AWG, rated for 600V and 90°C in both wet and dry locations. The Type TC-ER cables are UL-listed and feature cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) insulation, which delivers high dielectric strength and thermal stability, even during emergency overloads (130°C) and short circuits (250°C). Unlike Type MC cables, which are primarily designed for indoor use, Type TC-ER cables are approved for direct burial, outdoor installation, and use in cable trays, making them versatile enough to meet the project’s diverse installation needs. Their compact design and lightweight construction also simplified installation, reducing labor costs and project time.

3. UL Certification and Rigorous Testing

As a key requirement for CELEC/Transelectric, all our products were fully UL-certified, meeting the strict safety and performance standards set by Underwriters Laboratories (UL 1072, UL 1277, and UL 83). This certification was a critical differentiator, as it guaranteed that our wires and cables would perform reliably in high-stress environments and comply with international power industry regulations. Unlike many competitors, we maintain a dedicated quality control team that conducts rigorous testing at every stage of production—from raw material inspection to final product testing—to ensure consistency and performance.

For the Ecuador project, we conducted additional environmental testing to simulate the country’s tropical conditions, including humidity resistance, temperature cycling, and corrosion resistance tests. All products passed these tests with flying colors, confirming their ability to withstand Ecuador’s harsh climate. Our UL certification, combined with our ISO 9001 quality management system, gave CELEC/Transelectric the confidence that our products would deliver long-term reliability, reducing maintenance costs and minimizing downtime.

Another key advantage was our extensive experience in similar large-scale power projects. We have previously supplied wires and cables for grid upgrade projects in Latin America, Asia, and Africa, giving us the expertise to anticipate potential challenges and provide proactive solutions. This experience allowed us to tailor our products to CELEC/Transelectric’s specific needs, ensuring that every wire and cable met the project’s technical requirements.

4. On-Time, On-Spec, and Stress-Free

CELEC/Transelectric emphasized the importance of on-time delivery, as any delays would disrupt the project’s timeline and extend the country’s grid vulnerabilities. To meet this demand, we optimized our production schedule, prioritizing the Ecuador project and allocating dedicated manufacturing resources. We also worked closely with trusted logistics partners to ensure smooth shipping from our factory in Dongguan, China, to the project sites in Ecuador, navigating customs procedures efficiently to avoid delays.

The total order, which included over 500,000 meters of THHW Wire, MV-90 Cable, and Type TC-ER Power Cables, was delivered in three batches between March and July 2025, aligning perfectly with CELEC/Transelectric’s construction timeline. Our technical team also provided on-site support, assisting with cable installation guidance and answering any technical questions to ensure the products were used correctly. This hands-on support further strengthened our partnership with CELEC/Transelectric, demonstrating our commitment to the project’s success beyond just product supply.

5. A Resilient Grid and Trusted Partnership

By the end of 2025, CELEC/Transelectric successfully completed the grid upgrade project, with the new transmission systems and expanded substations fully operational. Our wires and cables played a critical role in this success, delivering consistent performance even in Ecuador’s harsh environmental conditions. The project resulted in a 40% reduction in blackout frequency, a 25% increase in grid capacity, and improved voltage stability across the country, significantly enhancing the reliability of Ecuador’s power distribution system.

The THHW Wire performed exceptionally well in outdoor and wet environments, with zero reported failures due to moisture or corrosion. The MV-90 Cable ensured stable medium-voltage power transmission, even during peak demand periods, while the Type TC-ER Power Cables simplified installation and provided reliable connectivity in both cable trays and direct burial applications. The integration of XHHW electric cable power distribution solutions further optimized power flow, reducing energy loss and improving overall system efficiency.

CELEC/Transelectric recognized our contribution to the project’s success, noting that our high-quality products, UL certification, and reliable delivery were key factors in meeting their goals. The partnership highlighted our ability to deliver tailored solutions that address specific regional challenges, and CELEC/Transelectric has expressed interest in collaborating with us on future grid upgrade projects in Ecuador.

6. Beyond Products, Building Long-Term Trust

Our collaboration with CELEC/Transelectric went beyond just supplying wires and cables; it was about building a long-term partnership based on trust, quality, and reliability. We understood that the Ecuador grid upgrade project was critical to the country’s economic development and public well-being, and we were committed to delivering solutions that would stand the test of time. Our UL certification, extensive project experience, and commitment to on-time delivery gave CELEC/Transelectric the confidence to choose us over competitors, and the project’s success has solidified our reputation as a trusted supplier in the global power industry.

For Dongguan GERITEL, the project reinforced our focus on customer-centric solutions. By listening to CELEC/Transelectric’s needs and tailoring our products to address their specific pain points—from harsh climate resistance to strict certification requirements—we demonstrated our ability to deliver value beyond just high-quality products. This approach has helped us build long-term relationships with customers around the world, as we strive to be more than a supplier, but a reliable partner in their success.

7. Choose Dongguan GERITEL for Your Next Power Project

If you’re undertaking a power transmission or substation project—whether in Ecuador or anywhere else in the world—Dongguan GERITEL Electrical Co., Ltd. is your trusted partner for high-quality, UL-certified wires and cables. We offer a comprehensive range of products, including THHW Wire, MV-90 Cable, Type TC-ER Power Cables, and XHHW electric cable power distribution solutions, all available in a wide range of sizes and specifications to meet your project’s unique needs.

Our advantages speak for themselves: UL certification for global compliance, extensive experience in large-scale power projects, a full range of product models, and a commitment to on-time delivery and technical support. We understand the challenges of power infrastructure projects, and we’re here to provide tailored solutions that address your pain points and ensure project success.

Don’t compromise on quality or reliability—choose Dongguan GERITEL for your wire and cable needs. Contact us today to discuss your project requirements and get a customized quote.