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Colombia energy crisis: Rising tariffs and new CREG consumption limits
Colombia is facing an energy crisis driven by the El Niño phenomenon and structural deficits in natural gas. Minister of Mines and Energy María Nohemí Arboleda warned that energy tariffs are set to rise as the country relies more on expensive thermal plants due to low water levels in reservoirs. Local gas production has fallen, and proven reserves dropped by 16.8% in 2025, leaving the nation dependent on imports for over 30% of its demand.
To manage the situation, the Energy and Gas Regulatory Commission (CREG) has implemented Resolutions 101 120 and 101 126 of 2026. These measures establish energy-saving goals based on individual historical consumption. Users who exceed their consumption limit by more than 10% will face surcharges: 30% for strata 1-3, 50% for strata 4-6, and 70% for commercial and industrial users. Conversely, those who reduce consumption may receive incentives.
The measures have faced criticism from Senator Didier Lobo Chinchilla, who argues that the regulations unfairly penalize residents in the Caribbean region. He noted that high temperatures make increased energy use for cooling a necessity rather than a luxury, and called for a review of the resolutions to avoid punishing vulnerable families and small businesses.
Entities
CREG · Colombia · Didier Lobo Chinchilla · El Niño · María Nohemi Arboleda
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Colombia's proven gas reserves decreased by 16.8% in 2025. larazon.co
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Colombia relies on imported gas for over 30% of its national demand. larazon.co
- [DISPUTED] Minister María Nohemí Arboleda stated that energy tariffs will increase due to high gas costs and the El Niño phenomenon. larazon.co
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Additional charges for exceeding limits are 30% for strata 1-3, 50% for strata 4-6, and 70% for commercial and industrial users. eldiarioboyaca.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Users exceeding their consumption limit by more than 10% will face additional charges. eldiarioboyaca.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Energy saving goals are calculated based on an individual user's historical consumption. eldiarioboyaca.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The CREG implemented Resolutions 101 120 and 101 126 of 2026 regarding energy savings. eldiarioboyaca.com · www.elpaisvallenato.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Debts in the Wholesale Electricity Market have reached 3.4 trillion pesos. larazon.co