Colombia kicks off energy efficiency initiative

Colombia's mines and energy ministry and mining and energy planning unit UPME launched a campaign, dubbed Equipos eficientes, decisiones inteligentes, to inform residents of the existence and benefits of energy efficiency labels, which must be exhibited in all stores that sell appliances.

"The public policy of energy efficiency is one of the priorities of the mines and energy ministry," said minister Germán Arce.

UPME head Jorge Valencia Marín added that the use of tools such as labeling provides savings for the consumer and will also lead to a reduction in required grid investment.

Authorities expect that the use of more efficient equipment will reduce energy consumption on the national SIN grid by 21,297GWh in the next 10 years and reduce CO2 emissions close to 17.3Mt in the same period.

Power demand in July fell 2.1% year on year to 5,486GWh, according to wholesale power market administrator XM.

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The government aims to expand the UN Development Programme-supported labeling program to cooking equipment, water heaters and commercial refrigeration equipment next year.

Also from Colombia, power generator Isagen released a prospectus for the company's planned local bond issue for up to 300bn pesos (US$100mn).​

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