Power Losses
Entire nation of Ecuador went dark after a series of energy errors
The entire nation of Ecuador lost power for hours this week, exposing the depth of an energy crisis
 "Entire nation of Ecuador went dark after a series of energy errors")
Over 1.5 million people left without power in Ukraine's port city Odesa
Darkness gripped Ukraine's Odesa on Saturday as over 1.5 million people in the port city were left without electricity amid dipping temperatures after the energy facilities were hit
 "Over 1.5 million people left without power in Ukraine's port city Odesa")
China extends power rationing for factories in drought, losses to deepen
Power rationing that forced factories in China's southwest to shut down has been extended through at least Thursday due to low water at hydroelectric dams, according to a notice reported by news outlets and a company announcement, adding to losses from the hottest, driest summer in decades. The tense situation of power supplies in Sichuan province has further intensified, Tencent News reported Monday. There was no public announcement, but the report included a photo of the government notice to companies. The drought and heat have wilted crops and caused rivers including the giant Yangtze to shrink, disrupting cargo traffic. State media say the government will try to protect the autumn grain harvest, which is 75% of China's annual total, by using chemicals to generate rain. The disruption adds to challenges for the ruling Communist Party, which is trying to shore up sagging economic growth before a meeting in October or November when President Xi Jinping is expected to try to award .
Need to bring losses below 15% for 24X7 power by 2019: R K Singh
Power and New & Renewable Energy Minister R K Singh today urged his states' counterparts to bring electricity distribution losses below 15 per cent to ensure 24X7 power for all by 2019. Singh also asked them to roll out the Saubhagya scheme in their states to provide power connections to 4 crore families by December, 2018. "We have reduced the distribution (aggregate technical and commercial) losses. It is necessary to achieve 24X7 power for all by 2019," Singh said. He said this while inaugurating the conference of 'Ministers for Power and New & Renewable Energy of States & Union Territories' here. He further said: "We are going to add 4 crore more subscribers under the Saubhagya scheme. Thus, with increase in supplies, leakages would further increase. We cannot continue to set off these losses using taxpayers' money." The minister said there are 16 to 17 states, which are incurring distribution losses more than 15 per cent. On the Saubhagya scheme, he said: .
 "Need to bring losses below 15% for 24X7 power by 2019: R K Singh")
