Mines and energy ministry rules out blackouts from el niño phenomenon

Minister Edwin Palma said Colombia has a roadmap to face the El Niño phenomenon without affecting the country's energy stability.

Edwin Palma, minister of Mines and Energy, stated from Medellín that the probable El Niño phenomenon will not affect energy stability. The official explained that Colombia has a roadmap focused on autogeneration and energy self-sufficiency.

The National Government does not foresee scenarios of blackouts or massive rationing, despite alerts on reservoir levels. Around 70% of electricity generation comes from hydroelectric plants.

Authorities are working with generating companies and regulatory entities on 53 measures that include regulatory actions, generation monitoring, energy-saving campaigns and preventive measures. The Government is evaluating the activation of thermal plants to preserve water reserves.

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Colombian officials presenting energy roadmap for El Niño preparedness with maps and infrastructure visuals
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Colombia activates roadmap with 50 actions for El Niño

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The Ministry of Mines and Energy presented a strategy with 50 actions to strengthen the energy system ahead of the El Niño phenomenon expected in the second half of 2026.

Energy Minister Edwin Palma Egea warned of an imminent risk to electricity supply due to the El Niño phenomenon. In a circular sent on May 14, 2026, to the CREG, he called for urgent regulatory adjustments.

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Colombia’s Mines and Energy Minister Edwin Palma defended his handling of the Air-e financial crisis—ongoing since early 2026 with $1.6 trillion in debts—and announced key steps: a targeted $8/kWh surcharge on high-income users, a Creg proposal for more energy contracting ahead of El Niño, and calls for structural reforms in the Caribbean region's electricity sector.

Mexico's National Center for Energy Control (CENACE) forecasts a historic peak of up to 54,000 megawatts in electricity demand during the hottest months from May to late summer, but with sufficient reserves to prevent blackouts. CENACE director Octavio Mota Palomino called it a 'tight summer, but without deficit.' Officials have taken preventive steps ahead of potential heat waves.

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Cuba's state-owned Unión Eléctrica (UNE) forecasts that 62% of the island will lose power simultaneously this Monday at peak demand. The energy crisis has deepened since mid-2024, worsening with the US oil blockade imposed in January. Nine of the country's 16 thermoelectric units are currently out of service.

President Gustavo Petro defended Colombia's transition to clean energies, stating that oil exploration contracts from the last decade have not found large amounts of oil. He insisted on lowering the real interest rate to boost the economy. He highlighted advances like investments in solar substations and potential exports.

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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.

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