Colombia pushes telework and coal plant shift to curb energy shortages

The Colombian Ministry of Labor, led by Minister Antonio Sanguino, announced a five‑day nationwide telework pilot from 31 July to 3 August. The measure aims to cut electricity demand while the SPEC regasification plant in Cartagena undergoes a technical shutdown, a step taken to mitigate the risk of gas shortages amid an intense El Niño‑driven drought that threatens hydroelectric generation.

At the same time, the Termopaipa coal‑fired power station in Paipa, Boyacá – which supplies roughly 9 % of the country’s electricity and backs up hydro resources – is facing pressure to close and transition to renewable sources. Workers, miners and local officials warn of socioeconomic impacts and cite the national energy‑transition agenda promoted by President Gustavo Petro’s government.