energy
March 22, 2026
Risk of two 'blackouts' in the country: one financial and one technical, according to a study by Sociedad Hidroituango
A study by Sociedad Hidroituango warns that the country's energy security is in a critical zone that could lead to two 'blackouts': one financial, because the National Government's debts to the electricity sector exceed $9 trillion; and another technical, which occurs when energy demand exceeds supply and, according to XM data, the country will close 2026 with a deficit of -2%.
TL;DR
- Colombia faces a critical energy situation with potential for financial and technical blackouts.
- Government debt to the electricity sector exceeds $9 trillion, contributing to financial risk.
- A projected energy deficit of -2% by 2026 and -3.5% by 2027 indicates a technical risk where demand will exceed supply.
- Projected expansion of installed capacity has significantly lagged behind demand growth due to licensing, prior consultations, grid connection issues, and regulatory uncertainty.
- The effective installed capacity has decreased, with fewer megawatts entering the system than planned.
- Regulatory issues, such as the return of generating plants to testing status, have reduced firm capacity.
- The Hidroituango plant is a crucial reliability asset, but alone it cannot solve the structural problems.
- Urgent measures are needed, including accelerating environmental licenses, prior consultations, transmission network expansion, and stable regulations for investment.