Colombia's state-owned utility company Empresa Publica de Medellin (EPM) faces three major challenges this year: the looming threat of El Niño, ensuring a stable supply of natural gas, and advancing its ambitious Afinia project. These issues have placed EPM under intense scrutiny as it navigates a complex energy landscape marked by rising operational costs, regulatory pressures, and climate-related uncertainties. The company reported consolidated revenues of 40.6 trillion pesos in 2025, with net profits growing by nine percent to reach 5.3 trillion pesos. Of these earnings, nearly half came from power generation, driven by hydroelectric and thermal operations, while distribution accounted for 27 percent and water services for 15 percent. The primary challenge lies in managing the potential impacts of El Niño, which could significantly reduce rainfall and lower water levels in reservoirs critical to the country’s electricity production. According to John Maya, EPM’s manager, the reduced inflow into reservoirs combined with increasing energy demand poses a risk of energy shortages. He emphasized the need for careful management of reservoirs and the importance of thermal power plants in supplementing hydroelectric capacity during periods of low water availability. Despite his caution against making definitive statements about the likelihood of blackouts, Maya acknowledged that the balance between energy supply and demand is extremely tight. EPM has identified the expansion of Hidroituango, one of the largest hydroelectric projects in Latin America, as a key solution to address the energy gap. The second phase of the project, which includes units five through eight, is currently at 96 percent completion. If completed as planned, two additional units will come online by 2027, with the remaining two following in 2028. Once fully operational, Hidroituango will contribute 17 percent of the nation’s electricity needs. However, progress has been slower than anticipated, with only 20 percent of the projected new capacity added by 2026, contributing to a current shortfall of 2.2 percent in firm energy. In response to these concerns, the Office of the Comptroller General of Colombia conducted a technical inspection of Hidroituango on July 17, 2026, alongside representatives from four regional disaster risk councils. The visit aimed to assess EPM’s preparedness plans for dealing with the El Niño phenomenon and other environmental risks. During the inspection, officials confirmed that Hidroituango had implemented comprehensive risk management strategies and agreed to hold further meetings involving the Ministry of Mines and Energy and the National Environmental Licensing Authority (ANLA). These discussions focused on adjusting the dam’s operating level to a maximum of 420 meters above sea level to better withstand the effects of El Niño. Meanwhile, Hidroituango itself has raised alarms about the government’s inadequate planning for the energy sector. In a recent technical study, the company highlighted significant gaps in the national energy expansion plan, particularly the failure to account for simultaneous extreme weather events such as El Niño. The study revealed that only 17 percent of the expected 28,100 megawatts of new generating capacity had been added since 2020, far below projections. This shortfall has contributed to a negative balance between available firm energy and demand, creating a reliability crisis. Additionally, the company pointed out unresolved financial obligations totaling 9.2 trillion pesos owed to various entities, including subsidies for energy and gas, and debts to firms such as Air-e and Afinia. These developments have prompted calls for urgent action from both EPM and Hidroituango. While EPM continues to emphasize the importance of maintaining reservoir levels and optimizing thermal power usage, Hidroituango underscores the need for more robust long-term planning and investment in new infrastructure. With the arrival of El Niño likely within months, the ability of Colombian authorities to manage these challenges will determine whether the country can avoid widespread energy disruptions. The situation highlights the delicate balance between immediate operational demands and the need for sustained strategic investment in the energy sector.
5 reports
SemanaIndependentCenterFactual 95Objective 853 days agoThe article discusses the challenges faced by Empresas Públicas de Medellín (EPM), a major Colombian utility company, in 2025. It highlights three main issues: the potential impact of El Niño on the national power grid, the supply of natural gas, and the development of Afinia. The article notes that EPM reported consolidated revenues of 40.6 billion pesos and a net profit increase of 9% to 5.3 billion pesos. A significant portion of this profit came from energy generation, which was driven by hydroelectric and thermal operations. The article emphasizes the threat posed by El Niño, which could lead to reduced water levels in reservoirs and increased energy demand, potentially causing shortages. John Maya, EPM’s manager, explains the importance of managing reservoirs and the role of thermal generation in supporting hydroelectric production. He also calls for more generation capacity and rational consumption.
Bias read (Center): The article presents information about EPM's financial performance and operational challenges without overtly favoring any political ideology. While it discusses the economic implications of El Niño and the need for new infrastructure projects, it does not take a clear stance on political policies,黨
Why factuality (95): The article provides specific financial figures (40.6 trillion pesos in revenue, 5.3 trillion net profit) and details about EPM’s business segments. These numbers are internally consistent and align with general economic reporting standards. The explanation of El Niño’s impact on water supply and en
Why objectivity (85): The article presents information in a largely neutral manner, focusing on facts such as EPM’s financial performance and challenges posed by El Niño. However, phrases like 'una de las grandes fortalezas' may imply a positive bias toward EPM. Overall, the tone remains mostly objective but has minor su
El TiempoIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 804 days agoThe Colombian Office of the Prosecutor (Procuraduría General de la Nación) conducted a technical inspection at the Hidroituango hydroelectric project in northern Antioquia to assess risk management plans and preparations for the upcoming El Niño phenomenon. The visit included representatives from four regional departments and aimed to ensure transparency and coordination among involved institutions. EPM, the company managing the project, emphasized its commitment to preventing risks and maintaining energy supply by raising the reservoir level to 420 meters. The Office of the Prosecutor praised EPM’s efforts and agreed to hold a future high-level meeting involving the Ministry of Mines and Energy and environmental licensing authorities to support these strategies. This follows seven previous inspections since 2020, during which EPM has provided timely and accurate information.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced account of the inspection process, emphasizing collaboration between government agencies and EPM without overtly favoring either side. It highlights procedural steps and agreements made but does not include biased language or selective sourcing.
Why factuality (85): The article reports on a technical visit by the Procuraduría to Hidroituango, including participation from multiple departments and validation of EPM’s risk management plans. It aligns with the cross-source consensus regarding the government's preparedness for El Niño and the need to raise the reser
Why objectivity (80): The tone remains professional and informative, focusing on the verification process and institutional collaboration. While there is some emphasis on EPM's proactive measures, the article avoids overt bias and presents the situation neutrally.
SemanaIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 757 days ago What's going on at Aerocivil?The Colombian National Aeronautics Authority (Aerocivil), under Director Luis Alfonso Martínez Chimenty, faces growing scrutiny over delays in modernization projects and infrastructure maintenance. The Office of the Comptroller General (Procuraduría) has raised concerns after discovering equipment failures, system outages, and installation delays affecting air navigation services. Despite Aerocivil’s claims that redundant systems ensure operational safety, the Procuraduría requested detailed explanations regarding the causes of these delays, recovery plans, and measures to strengthen infrastructure. This follows a previous report highlighting structural weaknesses in air traffic management and institutional deficiencies that have placed the national aviation system on alert.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about administrative challenges within Aerocivil and the oversight role of the Procuraduría. It does not exhibit overtly biased language, one-sided sourcing, or editorializing. Both the concerns raised by the regulatory body and the responses from Aerocivil’s
Why these scores (Factual 85 · Objective 75): The article reports on concerns raised by the Procuraduría regarding delays in modernization projects at Aerocivil, citing a primary source as the Procuraduría's internal report. It presents both the official stance of Aerocivil and the Procuraduría’s findings, showing some balance. However, the ton
El TiempoIndependentConservativeFactual 80Objective 654 days ago Hidroituango warned that loopholes in the Petro government's planning would have left the country facing a 'perfect storm' in the electricity sectorThe article reports that Hidroituango, a major hydroelectric company in Colombia, has issued warnings about the country's energy sector facing significant risks due to inadequate planning by the Petro government. The company presented a study showing that the National Expansion Generation Plan (2025-2039), developed by the Mining and Energy Planning Unit (UPME), has failed to account for extreme weather events and growing energy demands. This has led to concerns over the country being unprepared for a 'perfect storm' scenario, which could threaten energy security and sustainability. The report highlights specific data showing that only a fraction of planned energy capacity has been realized, raising alarms about the reliability of the national power grid.
Bias read (Conservative): The article frames the issue as a failure of government planning, specifically attributing the risks to the Petro administration. It emphasizes the shortcomings of the UPME plan and criticizes the lack of foresight regarding climate-related events like El Niño. While the content is factual, the tone
Why factuality (80): The article cites an internal study by Hidroituango that criticizes the national energy expansion plan. It references specific data and officials, but the claim that the government is directly responsible for current risks is more interpretive than factual. This interpretation may differ from other
Why objectivity (65): The language carries a critical tone toward the government, using terms like 'vacíos' and 'riesgos' to frame the issue. There is a clear editorial stance suggesting governmental negligence, which introduces bias into the reporting.
SemanaIndependentCenter3 hr. ago Hidroituango: Procuratorate started preventive surveillance to manage the disaster risk of the giant projectThe Colombian Prosecutor's Office has initiated preventive monitoring of disaster risk management at the Hidroituango hydroelectric project and surrounding municipalities in Antioquia. This follows a technical assessment conducted by the Delegated Prosecutor for Territorial Management and Governance, involving EPM, regional disaster councils, and other authorities. The evaluation revealed that while 82% of municipalities have updated disaster risk plans, resource shortages remain. The meeting also addressed the impact of the approaching El Niño phenomenon and the declaration of an Economic, Social, and Ecological Emergency due to flooding in several regions. The National Environmental Licensing Authority (ANLA) has requested Hidroituango to update its contingency plan and reservoir operation rules.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual report on the regulatory oversight of a major infrastructure project, focusing on compliance with environmental and disaster risk protocols. While the project involves significant political and economic stakes, the tone remains objective, citing official actions and st
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