Colombia may face electricity and water rationing in the second half of 2026 due to the El Niño weather phenomenon.
This potential crisis threatens the stability of the national power grid and could impact essential services across the country, particularly in the Cesar department. Because Colombia relies heavily on hydroelectric power, severe droughts directly reduce the capacity of reservoirs to generate electricity.
Former Minister of Mines and Energy Amylkar Acosta said the situation could lead to a critical scenario. "There would be rationing of gas and energy," Acosta said.
The risk is driven by expectations of severe droughts that lower reservoir levels. This decline would force the country to rely on thermal power plants, which are more expensive to operate and place additional strain on the energy system.
According to a report from a center of studies, the probability of El Niño occurring in the second half of 2026 exceeds 90% [1]. This high likelihood has prompted energy sector experts and authorities to issue warnings throughout May.
One unnamed expert said that the country must prepare for rationing. These warnings follow reports from April that highlighted the risk to the energy supply as the weather pattern approaches.
Regional authorities have noted that the Cesar department is particularly vulnerable to these shortages. The combination of energy deficits, outstanding debts, and the environmental impact of El Niño has elevated tensions regarding the nation's ability to maintain a steady power supply.
“"There would be rationing of gas and energy," ”
The potential for energy rationing underscores Colombia's vulnerability to climate volatility due to its heavy dependence on hydroelectricity. If the projected droughts materialize, the shift toward thermal generation will likely increase operational costs for the state and potentially raise prices for consumers, while exposing structural weaknesses in the national energy reserve.
