Ecuador to implement overnight 'maintenance' blackout

Ecuador will implement a country-wide blackout for maintenance in the country's electricity system from 10pm to 6am, the government says in a statement.

The measure, scheduled for Wednesday, is aimed at "preventative maintenance" in National Transmission System sites and in the power distribution network, the statement said.

The transmission work will cost about $US1.19 million ($A1.77 million) while maintenance on distribution will cost about $US1 million.

The power cut comes as Ecuador contends with a serious drought that is affecting hydroelectric dams, which supply most of the country's power.

"This schedule was chosen with a sense of responsibility, with the aim of not affecting the daily life of Ecuadoreans, and the country's productivity," the statement issued by President Daniel Noboa's office said.

Noboa's administration has previously ordered power cuts in times of energy shortages.

In June, officials blamed a country-wide outage on faulty transmission lines and insufficient maintenance.