Hidroituango manager Alejandro Arbeláez welcomed the request to fill the reservoir to its full 100% capacity to prepare for the El Niño phenomenon expected in the second half of the year. The current level stands at 53%. The National Authority of Environmental Licenses (Anla) confirmed there are no impediments to operating at the maximum level of 420 meters above sea level.
Arbeláez noted that reaching 100% requires raising the water level by 12 linear meters. He explained that this demands prior removal of vegetal material on the shores, though he trusts Anla will facilitate the process without that step to save time.
Anla clarified that since 2007 the project has held the necessary forest exploitation permits to reach the maximum elevation of 420 meters above sea level. After a preventive measure was lifted in March 2025, the hydroelectric plant was authorized to continue vegetation cover removal activities.
With the reservoir full, Hidroituango will guarantee constant hydroelectric generation, which is cheaper, and help avoid tariff increases during the dry season. The project is Colombia's largest hydroelectric plant and the one contributing the most to the current energy supply.
