Electricity rationing will be suspended for six days for the December holidays across the country.

The Ministry of Energy reported that there will be no power outages on December 23, 24 and 25 for Christmas, as well as on December 30, 31 and January 1, 2024 for the New Year.

However, as the low water level continues, and the supplies in the hydro reservoirs have not been restored, from this Friday, December 15, the power outages will increase to one hour a day, which means that the outages will be up to three hours a day.

And this despite the fact that Minister Andrea Arrobo announced last week that rationing will be suspended from December 15 due to the holidays.

The ministry explained that the Paute Integral hydroelectric complex – composed of the Molino, Mazar and Sopladora plants – is currently not producing at its maximum capacity and contributes between 10% and 15% of the country’s energy needs, when in winter its capacity generates between 35% and 40% of energy.

The government portfolio also indicated that Coca Codo Central would start maintenance on 6 and 7 January 2024. Although it was scheduled for 8 November 2023, it was not carried out.

One of the new solutions to this crisis will be the purchase of energy. “Given that the deficit is 465 MW, the energy purchase process is being carried out offshore through a call for expressions of interest. This acquisition will be carried out by Celec”, the Government announced.

Minister Andrea Arrobo is traveling to Bogotá this Tuesday, December 12, to hold meetings with her Colombian counterpart to coordinate regulatory issues and improve marketing prices.

For now, this state portfolio has embarked on a savings campaign and started implementing measures in the institutions that make up the public sector to reduce electricity demand between 2% and 3%. Citizens are urged to use energy efficiently and responsibly during the holiday season.