Colombia cuts power exports to Ecuador as tariff dispute strains Andean energy integration

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The Colombian government has halted electricity exports to Ecuador following a decision by Quito to apply a 30% tariff on imported Colombian electricity. The measure, formalised through a resolution issued by the Ministry of Mines and Energy, marks a significant escalation in a geopolitical dispute within the regulatory framework of the Andean Community.

According to Bogotá, the suspension aims to protect the domestic electricity supply and prevent unilateral trade measures from undermining the stability of the national interconnected power system.

Colombia and Ecuador have been interconnected by high-voltage transmission lines for more than two decades, allowing bidirectional power flows during periods of shortage. However, the absence of a regional authority with binding technical powers has exposed integration mechanisms to political and regulatory unilateralism.

Industry sources warn that the dispute highlights a structural weakness in Andean power integration. Without a neutral body to harmonize rules and resolve conflicts, tariff-based measures risk discouraging cross-border investment, grid integration and renewable energy cooperation.

Source: Wikipedia