Energy crises impact economies in Honduras and Colombia

Energy instability is causing significant economic and structural challenges in Honduras and Colombia.

In Honduras, the Micro and Small Enterprise Association (Gremipeh) reports that power outages in the Sula Valley are severely impacting businesses. Victorino Carranza, president of Gremipeh, estimated that just four hours without electricity can result in losses of approximately L440 million. The lack of advance notice regarding cuts hinders production planning and threatens roughly 20,000 jobs. To address the crisis, the association has proposed constructing eight to ten new substations to improve distribution.

In Colombia, the energy sector faces a growing deficit and increased dependence on imported gas. Reports indicate that 60% of 42 planned transmission projects are delayed, and there is a projected energy shortage that could worsen in the coming year. The situation is compounded by the intervention of companies like Air-e, where debt increased significantly following state control. The current energy landscape is characterized by a lack of new generation capacity and a reliance on expensive liquid fuels and imported natural gas.