The current legislation of the Colombian electricity sector does not contemplate differential energy rates for producing departments like Córdoba, despite hosting important generating plants.
This reality, which contrasts with the expectations of many Cordobans, was explained by Enrique Kerguelén and Eduardo Díaz, directors of the Urrá hydroelectric plant during a recent interview, revealing the complexities of the national energy market.
The current regulatory framework establishes a uniform tariff system at the national level, without considering direct benefits for the regions where the energy is produced. Electricity rates in Colombia are determined by a complex formula established by the Energy and Gas Regulation Commission (CREG), which does not distinguish between departments with or without generating plants.
This situation gave rise to debates and proposals for change, such as the one promoted by the governor of Córdoba, Erasmo Zuleta, who advocates for legislative modifications that allow preferential rates for producing departments.
However, Urrá representatives indicated that such a modification would require a profound restructuring of the national electrical system, involving high-level political decisions and significant changes in current regulation.
In addition, they explained that the energy generated by Urrá is integrated into the National Interconnected System, contributing to the stability of the electricity supply throughout the country. This system does not allow the energy produced in a region to be allocated exclusively to that area, but rather it is distributed according to national needs.
The representatives of the power plant recognized the frustration of many Cordobans in this situation, but insisted that any change in the current tariff model would require a broad national consensus and considerations about equity between regions with and without energy resources.
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