Background on the Situation
The Colombian Ministry of Mines and Energy announced the resumption of electricity exports generated by hydroelectric plants after the country surpassed “the most intense drought period ever experienced.”
Due to the low levels of reservoirs, which dropped below 28% collectively, the government had decided to halt exports. Only thermoelectric plants were allowed to export electricity, provided they weren’t needed to meet domestic demand.
Improving Reservoir Levels
According to XM, the operator of Colombia’s energy market, the current useful volume of reservoirs in the Sistema Interconectado Nacional (SIN) stands at 82.03% up to July.
Sergio Cabrales, a professor at the University of Los Andes and energy expert, noted that some reservoirs were even overflowing due to maximum filling.
Resumption of Hydroelectric Exports
In the context of the Celac Energy Ministers Summit in Bogotá from July 22 to 23, Colombia will restart the offer of hydroelectric plants for electricity exports.
The price of liquidation for July’s electricity exports is $883.7 kWh, as reported by XM.
“Since February, reservoir contributions have exceeded 120% of the historical average, and according to climate projections, no periods of precipitation below the historical average are expected in the coming months… there is no apparent risk to the system’s target of 81.1%,” stated the Ministry of Energy.
Export Guidelines
The Ministry of Mines and Energy outlined three scenarios for electricity exports, including thermoelectric plants using liquid fuels, centrally dispatched thermal plants, and any plant in the Sistema Interconectado Nacional applying Creg guidelines.
Key Questions and Answers
- What caused the halt in electricity exports? The government halted hydroelectric exports due to extremely low reservoir levels, which dropped below 28% collectively.
- Who announced the resumption of exports? The Colombian Ministry of Mines and Energy announced the resumption.
- What is the current status of reservoir levels? As of July, the useful volume of reservoirs in the SIN is 82.03%, according to XM.
- What is the price of July’s electricity exports? The liquidation price for July’s electricity exports is $883.7 kWh.
- What scenarios were considered for electricity exports? The Ministry of Mines and Energy outlined three scenarios: thermoelectric plants using liquid fuels, centrally dispatched thermal plants, and any plant in the SIN applying Creg guidelines.
