The process of preparing the Firm Energy Obligations (OEF) Auction planned by CREG Resolution 101-092 of 2025 to take place at the end of May 2026 is generating concern among private actors in the Colombian electricity system .
Marco Vera , manager of Vera Energy SAS , suggested that, given the political uncertainty and ongoing regulatory changes, it would be more prudent to postpone the call for bids until July 2026 , when there is greater institutional clarity and a stable framework for investment is guaranteed.
According to Vera, the current context does not offer conditions to carry out the investments that the system needs , especially to cover the firm energy deficit estimated for the period 2029-2030 .
XM's projections warn that the available supply is insufficient to meet future demand, making it urgent to add new projects.
"It is necessary to send clear signals to the market so that projects can enter with confidence," the executive stressed.
But, at the same time, the sector faces a combination of obstacles that, in the words of the executive, discourage any private initiative .
Among them are the Government's adverse discourse towards business participation, the intention to modify laws 142 and 143 that support the current model, and the threat to eliminate the Reliability Charge (CxC), the cornerstone of the backup mechanism.
Also included are the proposed adjustments to the formation of auction closing prices and activation due to scarcity, the increase in transfers required for renewable projects included in the 2022-2026 National Development Plan , and the delays in the execution of networks and allocation of connection points.
Added to this are the failed precedents of the long-term contract auctions of 2019 and 2021 , with multiple initiatives stalled by obstacles in prior consultation and environmental licensing.
In that context, Vera recommended that the CREG preserve the auction design and only make adjustments that favor broad and diverse participation.
The goal, he indicated, should be to facilitate a firm energy expansion based on efficient complementarity between renewable sources .
The executive acknowledged that, so far, there is no official confirmation regarding the projects that will seek to participate in the call for proposals.
The deadline to express interest is January 30, 2026 , so the final pool of applicants is not yet known.
However, he anticipated that those from non-conventional renewable sources (NCRES) would have the greatest chance of progressing , to the extent that regulatory conditions allow it.
One of the key points, he stressed, is that the complementarity between technologies such as solar, wind and biomass is recognized in the allocation of OEFs, and that this translates into a corresponding income.
Today, he explained, these projects bear the cost of the CERE (CxC premium), which distorts their competitiveness in the scheme.
He also pointed out that the prioritization of transport capacity must be effectively implemented for those projects that already have environmental approval, as established by CREG resolution 101-094 .
Vera's analysis is not limited to regulatory matters.
He also identified a strategic opportunity for Colombia on the international stage , especially in its energy link with the United States.
In their view, any dialogue that strengthens bilateral cooperation represents a favorable path to promote new investments, innovation, and alliances in the energy sector.
He listed several lines of work in which progress could be made with technical and financial support from the North American country: environmentally responsible fracking projects to regain self-sufficiency in natural gas , the development of advanced nuclear technologies such as Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) endorsed by the IAEA, the implementation of green and white hydrogen as an energy vector , and the installation of data centers powered by NCRE and BESS systems , with a view to future complementarity with nuclear energy.
Furthermore, he highlighted the need to expedite the electrical interconnection with Central America through Panama , as a first step towards regional energy integration that also includes Mexico and the United States.
For Vera, this project would not only diversify markets , but would also consolidate Colombia as a strategic energy hub in the hemisphere .
Given the overall situation, the Vera Energy manager urged quick but well-founded decisions.
For him, Colombia must ensure the expansion of the electricity sector with stable rules and a long-term vision.
"We have the potential and the resources, but if the conditions aren't right, the investments won't come," he concluded.