Colombia activates standby thermal capacity as drought bites

Colombian power and gas sector watchdog Creg has ordered the activation of all standby thermoelectric plants to avert the threat of electricity shortages. 

In a memorandum, Creg said the status of the nation’s energy monitoring system had changed to "risk" from "under observation" because of low rainfall that has parched its hydroelectric reservoirs. 

"The early activation of this protocol will allow for the necessary water storage to ensure a safe and reliable electricity supply for users," Creg executive director Antonio Jiménez said. 

Hydroelectric dams comprise around two thirds of Colombia's installed capacity and in times of drought the country relies on back-up thermoelectric plants to guarantee supply.

Most of the thermal capacity is made up of gas or coal-fired plants while a small number run on diesel and fuel oil. 

In addition to their negative environmental impacts, the backup plants are more costly to operate than their hydroelectric counterparts, leading to higher prices for end users. 

Creg said the thermal plants would continue to operate at full capacity until normal reservoir levels are restored.