El Niño
Energy Minister Palma advances Air-e crisis measures amid El Niño threat
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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.
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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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.
Trade groups Andeg and Fenalcarbón stressed the need for long-term contracts and coal-fired thermal plants as backup for Colombia's power grid, with El Niño likely in the second half of 2026. Alejandro Castañeda, Andeg president, and Carlos Cante, from Fenalcarbón, warned of growing energy deficits and climate vulnerabilities.
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A massive heat wave in the Western US and a potential El Niño event signal concerns for unpredictable extreme weather ahead. Despite 2025 ranking as the third-hottest year on record, it saw fewer climate disasters than expected.