Colombia resumes electricity sales to Ecuador

On August 10, 2026, Colombia resumed selling electricity to Ecuador after a suspension in January caused by customs tariffs imposed by Quito. The restoration was announced by Ecuador's Ministry of Environment and Energy.

Restart of electricity exports

Colombian authorities decided to restore the energy integration mechanism, allowing the Ecuadorian National Electricity Operator (Cenace) and the Colombian grid operator, XM, to coordinate the operation. Colombian Energy Minister Edwin Palma indicated on Tuesday night that Gustavo Petro's government would extend a hand to the "brotherly" Ecuadorian people.

Volume and share of Ecuadorian demand

The transaction scheduled the import of 288 megawatts, representing roughly 6.2% of Ecuador's daily energy demand. This quota was planned to meet part of local consumption needs.

Competitive energy pricing

The average price of the imported energy for this shipment was $0.33 per kilowatt‑hour, about 67% lower than in previous operations, when the price reached $0.99 per kilowatt‑hour.

Contract mechanisms activated

According to Minister Edwin Palma, mechanisms for signing export contracts between electricity companies of both countries were activated, something no government had allowed in 23 years of transactions.

Context of the trade war

Between February and June, Ecuador and Colombia experienced a trade war launched by President Daniel Noboa, who imposed tariffs that rose to 100% to pressure the Colombian government to intensify border surveillance. The dispute included the suspension of Colombia's electricity sales and the increase in transportation costs for Ecopetrol's oil through an Ecuadorian pipeline. The conflict ended after intervention by the Andean Community of Nations, with Noboa attributing the solution to an agreement with candidate Abelardo de la Espriella, who was elected president and will be inaugurated in a ceremony presided over by the Ecuadorian president.

With information from El Tiempo.