Energy sector leaders push for market reforms in Colombia and Costa Rica

In Colombia, Celsia President Ricardo Sierra has called for long-term measures to ensure financial liquidity and prevent the collapse of the electrical system, particularly during El Niño weather patterns. Sierra highlighted a positive shift in the attitude of government and regulatory institutions, noting increased administrative agility in processing technical permits. He emphasized the need to add 20,000 MW of generation capacity to meet regional consumption averages and attract investors back to the country.

In Costa Rica, several business organizations, including Uccaep, Cedet, CICR, Acope, and Azofras, have urged the Legislative Assembly to approve a bill to open the national electricity market. The proposed law (expediente 23.414) seeks to create a National Electricity Market (MEN) where public, private, and cooperative entities can trade energy. The initiative also proposes the creation of Ecosen, an autonomous entity to manage system planning and operations, which would take over certain functions currently held exclusively by the Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE).