‘We’ll Run Out of Energy by April 2027,’ Colombian Government Warns

The Colombian government has issued a warning that the country could face a severe electricity shortage starting in April 2027, due to the prolonged El Niño conditions. Deputy Energy Minister Armando Jose Cuello stated that unless urgent measures are taken, Colombia could run out of power in April if current electricity demand remains high and the government does not address vulnerabilities in the power system.

Colombia currently relies heavily on hydropower, which is particularly vulnerable to droughts and declining rainfall. The continuation of the most severe phase of El Niño into 2027 may exacerbate the situation by reducing rainfall in key regions, raising temperatures, and accelerating water reservoir depletion. This could lead to lower water inflows into reservoirs, reducing the availability of resources for hydroelectric generation when electricity consumption may rise due to higher temperatures.

The critical window for potential energy shortages lies in the months of February through April, as adverse weather conditions could coincide with insufficient alternative generation capacity. To offset declining hydropower generation, Colombia must rely more on thermal power plants, which generate electricity using fuels like natural gas and liquid petroleum derivatives.

However, the decline in water reserves due to prolonged El Niño poses risks to thermal power plant operation. The government has sought to diversify fuel supply options and strengthen preparedness measures to address potential difficulties, but the expansion of electricity infrastructure and ensuring reliable supplies of natural gas and other fuels remain significant concerns.