The Superintendencia de Servicios Públicos asked energy, gas and water companies to immediately activate their contingency plans for the El Niño phenomenon.
The agency issued an external circular with recommendations to prioritize water supply in hospitals, schools and nursing homes. It also asked hydroelectric plants to monitor reservoir levels daily and thermal generators to secure fuel supplies.
The IDEAM warned that El Niño will intensify towards September and reach strong temperatures by year end. Superservicios required gas distributors to guarantee household consumption and essential demand.
The measure aims to prepare the country for possible prolonged drought scenarios.