Colombia Faces Energy Deficit as El Niño Looms

Colombia is bracing for a new El Niño weather event—a climate pattern that typically brings drought and reduced rainfall to the country—at a moment when its electricity system already shows a shortfall in reliable, guaranteed power generation, according to Natalia Gutiérrez, president of the Colombian Association of Power Generators (Acolgén) and of the National Business Council.

Gutiérrez, who has spent more than four years warning about the risks of insufficient investment in new power plants, stalled energy projects, and unresolved issues around environmental permits, community consultations, and infrastructure delays in the La Guajira region, says the situation is now urgent. Complicating matters further, thermal power plants—which become crucial when hydroelectric dams produce less energy due to lower rainfall—are owed roughly 2.5 trillion pesos (about $625 million USD) by the country’s energy system, a debt that could affect their ability to operate at full capacity when they’re needed most.

In an interview, Gutiérrez outlined the risks facing Colombia’s electrical grid, potential measures to avoid power rationing, and what could happen to electricity prices in the coming months. She also stressed that beyond this particular climate cycle, Colombia urgently needs long-term policy decisions to expand its power generation capacity and avoid recurring crises.

For the complete interview, read the original story at El Tiempo.

Source: 'No sabemos si habrá desabastecimiento', Colombia entra a El Niño con déficit de energía en firme: advierte Acolgén (eltiempo.com). English version produced with AI assistance.

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