Self-generation of industrial energy in Ecuador Regulatory, technical, and strategic perspectives for the energy transition.

This study developed a technical and legal methodology to evaluate the potential for self-generation of electricity in Ecuador, using electricity consumption data by sectors from 2018 to 2023. Through a quantitative analysis, linear trends were projected until 2026, highlighting that the residential sector will reach an estimated consumption of 8996 GWh (38.3%), followed by the industrial sector with 6439 GWh (27.4%) and the commercial sector with 4066 GWh (17.3%). However, although the industrial sector represents a high percentage of consumption, its growth has been negative, so commerce and public lighting emerge as priority candidates to initiate self-generation processes due to their stability and growth. Technical, legal and social criteria are incorporated, establishing a structured methodological process: review of the legal framework, technical analysis, consumption forecasts, visualization, interpretation of results and decision-making. These findings allow guiding differentiated public policies and promoting energy planning consistent with the national energy transition.