Colombia Resumes Energy Sales to Ecuador Amid Diplomatic Thaw

Colombia has reauthorized electricity sales to Ecuador, reversing a suspension imposed in January amid a diplomatic spat between Presidents Gustavo Petro and Daniel Noboa. The move comes as both countries brace for a potentially severe El Niño drought.

Background

Trade tensions escalated after Noboa accused Petro of failing to combat organized crime along their border. Both nations imposed reciprocal 100% tariffs, and Colombia halted energy exports. Ecuador faced blackouts of up to 14 hours daily during a 2024 drought. Source: elnacionalve

The Announcement

Colombian Energy Minister Edwin Palma announced the resumption via a resolution enabling private-sector power trades. "The energy cannot be held hostage by political differences," he wrote on X. Source: infobae The resolution takes effect upon publication and remains until the Andean regional electricity market starts. Source: infobae

Context

Ecuador's President Noboa rolled back tariffs in June after meeting with president-elect Abelardo De la Espriella. Source: elnacionalve Both sources note the cooperation is critical ahead of a forecasted intense El Niño, which could bring severe drought and heatwaves. "When droughts and El Niño arrive, Colombia and Ecuador have always lent a hand across the border," Palma added. Source: infobae