Colombia faces imminent electricity and gas rationing

Officials warn that Colombia is at risk of simultaneous rationing of electricity and natural gas. The shortfall depends on severe El Niño‑related hydrological conditions, the availability of fuels for thermal generation, and the speed of contingency measures.

Demand for electricity is rising 5.75% annually and has reached a historic peak of 261.86 GW‑h, now exceeding firm supply by about 1,971 GWh per year. The National Interconnected System (SIN) can cover only about 90% of peak demand, leaving a 10% gap. Operator XM reported 36 emergency restrictions and 48 alert restrictions on July 3, and issued 165 load‑shedding instructions (EDAC) between April and July to protect grid stability. The Caribbean region is especially vulnerable due to transmission bottlenecks. Critics say the crisis is deepened by governmental actions, with 58% of installed capacity reliant on hydro power, reducing resilience to climate change.