Colombia faces energy supply risks amid El Niño phenomenon

energy crisis El Niño gas supply Colombia electricity rationing

Colombian government ministers have issued a warning regarding potential energy shortages and gas supply risks driven by the El Niño climate phenomenon. During a congressional debate, the Ministers of Mines and Energy, Finance, Environment, and the Interior highlighted that the country could face an energy blackout if supply issues are not addressed.

Finance Minister Miguel Gómez warned that if current trends continue, Colombia may need to import approximately 40% of its required gas by 2028. He noted that imported gas is between 130% and 135% more expensive than domestically produced gas. The Minister of Mines and Energy added that national gas production is insufficient to meet current demands, exacerbated by a rise in exports.

Technical experts and the electricity market operator, XM, have identified falling reservoir levels as a primary risk. XM reported that current reservoir levels are at 76.24%, but warned that if they drop below 30% of the national interconnected system's useful volume, energy rationing could become necessary to manage peak consumption. This risk is expected to intensify between December and February.

Entities

Colombia · Ecopetrol · El Niño · Government of Colombia · Iván Cepeda · Miguel Goméz · Nohemí Arboleda · XM

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[○ 1 SOURCE] Energy rationing could occur if reservoir levels fall below 30% of the national interconnected system's useful volume. www.lanacion.com.co
[○ 1 SOURCE] The El Niño phenomenon is contributing to deficient rainfall levels. www.lanacion.com.co
[○ 1 SOURCE] Current reservoir levels are at 76.24%. www.lanacion.com.co
[○ 1 SOURCE] Senator Iván Cepeda warned of growing social and political confrontation in Colombia. www.eje21.com.co
[○ 1 SOURCE] Imported gas is 130% to 135% more expensive than domestic gas. colmundoradio.com.co
[○ 1 SOURCE] Colombia may need to import 40% of its gas needs by 2028. colmundoradio.com.co
[○ 1 SOURCE] Colombian ministers warned of potential energy blackouts due to gas supply risks. colmundoradio.com.co
[○ 1 SOURCE] A rationing event comparable to 1992 would cost Colombia over $30 trillion pesos and risk 100,000 jobs. 360radio.com.co