Colombia temporarily suspended hydroelectricity sales to Ecuador Wednesday in order to maintain sufficient water levels in its reservoirs over the dry season.
The Minister for Energy and Mining Hernan Martinez told Caracol Radio that reservoir levels are at 68% capacity but are expected to drop down to as little as 30% capacity by April next year, due to the El Niño phenomenon.
Martinez said that hydroelectric energy sales were suspended in order to avoid national water rationing.
Colombia normally sells 250 to 300 megawatts of hydroelectric energy a day to Ecuador.
Martinez also said that hydroelectric energy supplies to Venezuela were cut about two weeks ago. Colombia usually supplies 70 to 80 megawatts to Venezuela daily.
According to Martinez, the suspension of energy could last “a couple of months”.
Around 80% of energy generated in Colombia is hydroelectric.