Colombia has stopped electricity exports to Ecuador due to a drought caused by the El Niño weather phenomenon, leading to decreased hydroelectric reservoir levels in both countries. In response to the energy crisis, Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa declared an emergency in the country’s energy sector. Both Colombia and Ecuador rely on hydropower plants to meet their energy needs, but the drought has significantly reduced water levels in reservoirs essential for electricity production. Water is needed to spin the turbines in hydroelectric plants, but Colombia’s reservoirs are only at 29.8 percent of their capacity, leading to water rationing in areas like Bogota.
Colombia’s mining and energy minister, Andres Camacho, announced that the country has ceased electricity exports to Ecuador since Easter week to address the impact of the drought. Meanwhile, Ecuador’s Minister Andrea Arrobo Peña addressed the situation in her country, warning of power outages and rationing to manage the energy shortages. She attributed the crisis to a combination of factors, including the prolonged drought, rising temperatures, lack of maintenance in the electrical infrastructure, and historically low water levels. The government called on citizens to conserve energy and water to navigate through the crisis together.
President Noboa of Ecuador announced the resignation of Minister Arrobo Peña, hinting at corruption and potential sabotage in the energy sector. An investigation into possible sabotage within power plants and other areas was launched, with a promise to prosecute any wrongdoers to the fullest extent of the law. Noboa emphasized the need to combat corruption in the energy sector, pointing out that technical solutions exist but lack of execution and corruption have hindered progress in recent years. Climate change professor Camilo Prieto warned that the current drought, while not as severe as past ones, highlights the vulnerability of countries like Ecuador and Colombia to extreme weather patterns, especially with increasing energy consumption and reliance on hydropower.
Prieto stressed the importance of diversifying the energy mix in both countries to reduce vulnerability to climate-related challenges. He cautioned that continued growth in energy demand coupled with a lack of diversification could leave residents exposed to future extreme weather events. The current situation in Colombia and Ecuador underscores the need for proactive measures to address climate change impacts on energy infrastructure and develop more resilient systems. Both governments are under pressure to manage the immediate energy crisis while also taking steps to strengthen energy security in the face of ongoing climate challenges.
