2024-08-27 21:08:36
The increase, although moderate, reflects positive trends in the country’s energy consumption.
Energy demand in Colombia experienced a 1.44% growth in July 2024 compared to the same month of the previous year, according to Juan Carlos Morales Ruiz, manager of XM’s National Dispatch Center. This increase, although moderate, reflects a positive performance in the country’s energy consumption, in a context of economic stability and growing demand in certain key sectors.
In cumulative terms, the energy demand of the National Interconnected System (SIN) registered a growth of 4.11% during the first seven months of 2024, compared to the same period in 2023. This sustained increase highlights the importance of electric energy as a driver of economic development, both for residential and industrial consumption.
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The calculation
Morales Ruiz explained that the growth in demand is calculated by means of a weighted average of the different types of days (shopping days, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays), which makes it possible to smooth out the monthly fluctuations caused by variations in the number of days of analysis. This methodological approach guarantees a more precise reading of consumption trends, avoiding distortions caused by variability in the calendar.
Breaking down consumption by user type, the regulated market, which includes residential consumption and small businesses, showed an increase of 2.37%, equivalent to 137.29 GWh. On the other hand, the unregulated market, which mainly covers industry and commerce, experienced a slight decline of -0.63%, equivalent to 5.23 GWh. This decrease suggests a slight slowdown in specific industrial sectors, possibly influenced by economic factors or operational adjustments in companies.
The regions
In terms of regional growth, Guaviare led with a 4.93% increase in its energy demand during July 2024, followed by the Caribbean region with 3.4%, the East with 2.23%, and THC (Tolima, Huila and Caquetá) with 1.95%. Antioquia and the coffee belt (Caldas, Quindío and Risaralda) also showed increases, although more modest, with 1.14% and 0.94%, respectively. In contrast, regions such as Centro (-0.19%), Chocó (-0.38%) and Sur (-3.08%) showed a decrease in their consumption, possibly reflecting lower economic activity in these areas.
Within the unregulated market, manufacturing industries and mining and quarrying continued to be the main energy consumers, accounting for 39.84% and 30.09% of demand, respectively. In particular, manufacturing industries consumed 842.69 GWh, while mining and quarrying activities recorded consumption of 636.35 GWh.
These data underline the importance of electric energy for Colombian industry, but also highlight the need to monitor variations in regional and sectoral consumption to ensure efficient distribution of resources and support balanced development in all regions of the country.
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