Colombia's Fenalco challenges mandatory telework energy‑saving order

The National Federation of Merchants (Fenalco) warned that the Colombian government’s Resolution 40267, which requires companies to implement mandatory teleworking from July 30 to August 3 2026 to reduce electricity consumption, may not achieve real energy savings. Fenalco president Jaime Alberto Cabal argued that the measure merely shifts power use from offices to households and that scheduled maintenance at the Cartagena regasification plant (SPEC LNG) does not justify extraordinary restrictions. The federation demanded clarification on why routine maintenance would necessitate temporary changes to work arrangements and questioned the overall effectiveness of the policy in lowering national demand.

Fenalco also highlighted concerns that remote work could increase residential electricity use due to computers, lighting, air‑conditioning and other equipment, calling for transparent explanations from the Ministry of Mines and Energy on the expected impact of the telework mandate.