Colombia readies gas restrictions, prioritizes thermal dispatch

Colombia will temporarily ration gas in the Caribbean coastal region to guarantee supply of the fuel for thermoelectric power generation. 

The mines and energy ministry said the measure would coincide with planned maintenance work at the Spec regasification terminal in Cartagena from October 31 to November 4. 

In a draft resolution, the ministry said gas supply would be prioritized for the Termoflores, Tebsa and Termocandelaria power plants.

"This mechanism is not expected to affect the essential demand that is made up of residential, small commercial and other users," it said. "People will be able to continue using gas in their homes without any problems."

The document, in Spanish, can be seen here.  

Spec, which has the capacity to regasify 400Mf3/d (million cubic feet per day), began operating in 2016 and remains Colombia's only natural gas import facility.