Colombia braces for El Niño: energy shortfalls and Antioquia launches water‑fire contingency

An El Niño episode expected in mid‑2026 is triggering warnings of a severe energy shortfall in Colombia. Experts say reduced rainfall could lower reservoir levels to 64‑68 % and force a shift from hydroelectric generation to natural‑gas‑fired plants, at a time when gas imports are limited. Former mines and energy minister Amylkar Acosta warned that “the country is not prepared” and blamed the Petro administration for delayed gas‑import infrastructure and allegedly “manipulated” reserve figures.

In the Antioquia region, the environmental authority Cornare activated a contingency plan to curb drought, forest fires and water scarcity. Measures include reinforced early‑warning systems, strengthened forest‑brigades, rural water‑management programs and public calls to conserve water and avoid open‑air burning. Both the national energy concerns and the regional preparedness efforts underscore the broad socio‑economic risks posed by the looming climate event.