Colombian energy officials are monitoring potential power rationing and blackouts as the El Niño phenomenon triggers droughts across the country.

The situation is critical because Colombia relies heavily on hydroelectric power. A significant drop in reservoir levels combined with increased electricity consumption could destabilize the national grid and disrupt economic activity.

Alejandro Castañeda, executive president of Andeg, said there is no immediate risk of a blackout, though he noted that plans should be made for probable contingencies. Current reservoir levels are at nearly 80% [1], which officials said is sufficient to meet current demand.

However, other industry leaders have issued more urgent warnings. A manager from EPM said the company has moved to an "orange level" alert [2]. This designation indicates a risk of energy rationing caused by a spike in consumption [2].

Industry representatives from XM expressed concern regarding the upcoming summer season starting in December. They established a goal to maintain reservoirs at 80% [1] to mitigate risks. A representative from XM said that if the drought associated with El Niño worsens, reservoirs could reach historically low levels, creating a serious risk of rationing and blackouts [3].

While current levels provide a buffer, the contradiction between immediate stability and long-term risk remains a point of debate among energy managers. Some emphasize the adequacy of current reserves, while others warn that the volatility of the weather pattern could quickly deplete those resources [1], [3].

“"In this moment there is no risk of a blackout, but plans can be made for the probable contingency."”

The disparity in warnings suggests that while Colombia's energy infrastructure is currently stable, it lacks a high margin for error. The reliance on hydroelectricity makes the national economy hypersensitive to climate fluctuations, meaning any deviation in rainfall patterns during the December summer peak could force the government to implement mandatory power cuts to prevent a total grid collapse.