The imminent arrival of the El Niño phenomenon in Colombia, whose onset environmental authorities in the country expect for the second half of 2026, has led the national government not only to issue recommendations to the entire nation, but also to start at home.
A month ago, the Institute of Hydrology, Meteorology and Environmental Studies (IDEAM) and the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development reported that, at that point, the probability of the phenomenon developing had already increased to 90% for next September.
Remote work and fewer lights turned on
The main climate models have been indicating that, between May and July of 2026, the probability that El Niño conditions would become established was 61%, with a progressive increase until surpassing 90% starting in September 2026.
The Ministry of Mines and Energy took careful note and has just issued a circular addressed to all public entities of the national executive branch with a series of recommendations to reinforce energy saving and the efficient use of energy in Colombia.
The recommendations were set out in Circular 40021, dated May 8, following the alerts issued by Ideam regarding the probability that the climate phenomenon could once again impact the country. According to the document, state entities must promote responsible consumption practices and strengthen the use of clean energy.
Among the government’s recommendations are measures such as encouraging work from home for some officials and contractors, making maximum use of natural lighting in offices, turning off lights when they are not necessary, and installing motion sensors in spaces such as bathrooms, hallways, and parking lots.
These are, without a doubt, actions that society as a whole should follow to mitigate the impact that the climatic phenomenon may have. Bogota, for example, has a recent traumatic experience: The water rationing it suffered because of the severe drop in the reservoirs supplying the city with water. Residents of the capital learned many lessons that they should maintain or begin applying again.
Recommendations even for air conditioning
The Ministry of Mines and Energy circular also proposes that public entities establish verifiable goals related to energy savings and conduct periodic evaluations to review compliance with those measures. In addition, entities were asked to include institutional messages on the rational use of energy on websites and in internal awareness campaigns.
The Minister of Mines and Energy, Edwin Palma, stated that energy saving should not be seen solely as a temporary response to a possible El Niño phenomenon, but rather as a permanent practice to reduce costs and advance the country’s energy transition.
The document also recommends keeping air conditioning between 22 and 24 degrees when its use is necessary, in addition to ensuring that doors and windows remain closed while these systems are operating.
The government insisted that these actions seek to reduce the impact that a new period of droughts and high temperatures could have on the national energy system.