Average electricity consumption in Colombia increased by 6.7% [1] during April 2024.
This surge in demand puts pressure on the national power grid as the country balances a transition toward electric mobility with volatile weather patterns. The increase is attributed to the growing use of electric scooters and vehicles, as well as the expected arrival of the El Niño phenomenon.
A spokesperson for Caracol Televisión said the consumption of energy in Colombia increased by an average of 6.7% [1] during the month of April. The spokesperson said this rise was linked to the early arrival of El Niño.
However, reports on the timing of the weather phenomenon vary. While some sources cite its early arrival, MSN Noticias said El Niño had not yet arrived during that period. The same report noted that imported gas covered 25% [2] of the country's energy demand in April.
Water levels in reservoirs remain a critical point of concern for the energy sector. According to Yahoo Noticias, reservoirs were at 60% [3] capacity. The report said Colombia faces a risk of blackouts due to the arrival of a "super El Niño."
The shift toward electric transport has added a consistent new load to the electrical infrastructure. The combination of higher consumer demand and fluctuating reservoir levels creates a precarious balance for the national utility providers.
“The consumption of energy in Colombia aumentó un 6,7% en promedio durante el mes de abril.”
The intersection of increased demand from electric vehicle adoption and the drought-inducing effects of El Niño creates a systemic vulnerability for Colombia's energy security. Because the country relies heavily on hydroelectric power, the drop in reservoir levels to 60% necessitates a higher reliance on expensive imported gas to prevent widespread power outages.
