Despite having between 10% and 12% of the country’s natural gas reserves, more than 30% of the population of the department of Córdoba lacks access to this home service. This paradoxical situation was exposed by Governor Erasmo Zuleta Bechara during the Mining and Energy Forum of the Livestock Fair.
“We have between 10 and 12% of the country’s gas reserves, more than 30% of the population of the department of Córdoba today does not have gas,” said the president, evidencing the contrast between the gas wealth of the region and the lack of residential coverage.
According to official data, currently, more than 300,000 homes in Córdoba lack connection to home natural gas networks. This figure represents around 35% of the homes in the department.
Various rural areas and remote municipalities are the most affected by this situation, being forced to resort to expensive alternatives such as propane gas pipettes or polluting solid fuels.
“It is a paradox that being so rich in gas, so many families in Córdoba cannot access this basic service”lamented the sectional leader.
The distributors’ union warns that the expansion of networks requires large investments and an attractive market, Therefore, public-private alliances and differential policies are needed in low-profit areas.
The challenge of massifying natural gas in Córdoba is added to other regional energy priorities such as the reduction of electricity ratesdespite the abundant local generation with water, thermal and renewable resources.
#Colombia
