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"Evolution and Challenges of Electricity Service Provision in Colombia: A 30-Year Analysis"


  • SOLICITATION NUMBER: 0002015257
  • INSTITUTION:  IBRD/IDA , IFC , MIGA , ICSID
  • ASSIGNMENT LOCATION: Colombia
  • ISSUE DATE AND TIME: Apr 04,2025 05:12
  • CLOSING DATE AND TIME: Apr 21,2025 23:59

Colombia's electricity market; restructured in 1994 through Laws 142 and 143; transitioned from a state-controlled model to a competitive framework with unbundled activities; CREG regulation; and the creation of the Wholesale Energy Market (MEM). While this model has been recognized for ensuring supply reliability and attracting investment; it now faces significant challenges in the energy transition context. Integrating non-conventional renewable energy sources (FNCER); incorporating technologies like storage and smart grids; and addressing tariff equity require substantial regulatory changes to ensure the system¡¯s flexibility; resilience; and sustainability. These challenges are not unique to Colombia; globally; electricity markets have progressively modernized to navigate the energy transition; adapting regulatory and operational frameworks to meet the demands of decarbonization and digitalization. The National Development Plan 2022-2026 (PND); "Colombia: A World Power for Life;" identifies the energy transition as a cornerstone for achieving sustainable and inclusive growth. The plan emphasizes the integration of renewable energy sources; developing resilient and equitable energy systems; and promoting innovative solutions such as energy storage and demand-side management. It underscores the importance of modernizing the electricity sector to support Colombia's decarbonization goals; enhance energy security; and promote regional equity in energy access; which aligns with the global shift towards cleaner and smarter energy systems. In July 2025; Colombia will celebrate 30 years since the implementation of its electricity market. The Government of Colombia (GoC) is advancing several initiatives to modernize the electricity sector and ensure it contributes to the High-Level Outcomes (HLOs) established in the National Development Plan. The HLOs aim to support the country's development priorities in three key areas: (i) promoting equitable territorial development and social inclusion; (ii) fostering a sustainable and inclusive economic transformation; and (iii) strengthening resilience and mitigating climate change. The Government of Colombia (GoC); with the assistance of the World Bank (WB); is advancing key actions for the country¡¯s energy transition through technical assistance (TA) and support for policy and regulatory reforms. In this context; the World Bank has developed an ambitious package of technical assistance framed as a comprehensive roadmap to modernize and adapt the electricity market; grid planning; and system operation for the energy transition. This roadmap is structured around three main pillars: (i) modernizing the rules; procedures; and processes of the electricity market; (ii) enhancing the readiness of the National Interconnected System for the adoption of smart grid technologies; and (iii) advancing transmission expansion planning with a bottom-up; socioeconomic approach. 2 This technical assistance (TA) falls under the first pillar of market modernization and aims to critically evaluate the framework underpinning electricity service provision in Colombia over the past 30 years; focusing on its impact on end-user welfare; affordability and efficiency of delivery; and the evolution of costs across the supply chain. This TA represents the second step in a broader roadmap; supporting an informed analysis of how regulatory and policy actions have influenced consumers; institutions; and private enterprises. It encourages a deeper reflection on the role of electricity service provision in advancing Colombia¡¯s social and economic development.

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