Colombia Cuts Off Electricity to Ecuador - What Expats Should Know

On January 22, Colombia's Ministry of Mines and Energy indefinitely suspended electricity exports to Ecuador, escalating a trade dispute between the two countries.

What Happened

Ecuador's President Daniel Noboa announced a 30% "security tariff" on Colombian imports, set to take effect February 1. Colombia responded the same day by cutting power exports and slapping a reciprocal 30% tariff on Ecuadorian goods.

Colombian Energy Minister Edwin Palma stated: "When energy security conditions and trust between countries are restored, Colombia will resume electrical exchanges."

Why It Matters

Ecuador has historically relied on Colombian electricity imports, particularly during dry seasons when hydroelectric output drops. During the 2023-2024 drought that caused rolling blackouts across Ecuador, Colombia doubled its electricity shipments to help stabilize the grid.

Colombia justified the cutoff as "a preventive measure to protect energy sovereignty," citing climate variability and potential El Niño concerns.

What Expats Should Watch For

No immediate blackouts have been announced, but Ecuador's grid has less margin for error now. If another drought hits or demand spikes, rationing could return.

Practical steps:

• Keep flashlights and power banks charged
• Monitor local news for any announcements about scheduled outages
• If you're outside major cities, be especially prepared for potential interruptions

Sources: Primicias, CNN Español, Infobae