Empresa Electrica Regional Norte S.A. Emelnorte (Ecuador)

Empresa Electrica Regional Norte S.A. Emelnorte is a company located in Ibarra, Ecuador. It was established in 1914 when the first contract for the provision of electricity was signed between the Municipality of Ibarra and Jacinto Pancheri. The company initially operated a hydroelectric plant near the Tahuando River. In 1920, the ownership of the plant changed to Honorio Gómez de la Torre and Javier Mukarsel, who named it Empresa Hidroeléctrica San Miguel. In 1925, young entrepreneurs from Ibarra brought equipment from Europe to improve the city's lighting. However, conflicts with the Municipality arose, and a compromise was reached where the Municipality and the people would share the cost of the electricity service. In 1935, the Municipality of Ibarra decided to install its own power plant, but it faced financial difficulties and eventually had to obtain electricity from another source. In 1947, the Municipality created Empresa Electrica y Funeraria to improve the financial situation, and a second hydroelectric plant was installed. In 1975, Empresa Electrica Regional Norte S.A. Emelnorte was established with the participation of various municipalities and provincial councils in the northern region of Ecuador. The company's main objective is the distribution and commercialization of electricity in the provinces of Imbabura and Carchi, as well as in certain areas of Pichincha and Sucumbios provinces.