Colombia is evaluating a new request to sell electricity to Venezuela’s Táchira state, according to José Miguel González, manager of Centrales Eléctricas de Norte de Santander (CENS). The potential supply would be routed through the binational San Mateo line.
González confirmed that CENS received an initial proposal in 2025 from both Venezuelan government representatives and private sector entities interested in purchasing Colombian energy. However, he explained that a contract was not finalized at that time due to various obstacles, including sanctions. “There was difficulty in signing the connection contract. it could not be completed,” González stated, as reported by La Nación.
The renewed proposal comes as recent licensing decisions by the United States government have created a more favorable environment for cross-border energy transactions, González indicated. CENS is currently analyzing the new request and a commercialization company has expressed interest in moving forward with the operation.
Colombia potentially could supply up to 70 megawatts of power through the San Mateo connection, González said. He affirmed that the infrastructure on the Colombian side is “in optimal conditions and ready to operate.” However, CENS requires technical information from the Venezuelan power system to assess its readiness to receive the electricity. “We understand that they have been preparing for this option,” he added.
Even as the possibility of reactivating the transboundary power supply is progressing, González clarified that no firm date has been set for the San Mateo line to turn into operational. The potential for increased energy trade between the two countries has been discussed for some time, particularly in border regions facing unreliable electricity service.
CENS, a subsidiary of Grupo EPM (Empresas Públicas de Medellín), has faced financial challenges, with the Colombian government owing the company 148 billion pesos as of February 18, 2025, according to Caracol Radio. This debt stems from government subsidies for lower-income households. While a partial payment of 17 billion pesos was made in January 2025, subsequent monthly accruals have increased the outstanding balance to 149 billion pesos, adding 19 billion pesos each month.
