Impact of Dry Season and Thermal Plant Failures
The Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE) announced on Monday electricity rationing due to a decline in the energy reserve levels of the National Electric System (SEN), triggered by a critical drop in the flows of hydroelectric plants and the failure of suppliers of leased thermal plants to cope with the dry season.
Roberto Quirós, the Electricity Manager of ICE, stated in a release that “all available national capacity is in operation, and the scenario is similar in the countries of the Regional Electricity Market (MER), so imports are practically suspended.”
Quirós asserted, “We have made every effort to avoid this condition; however, rainfall and wind levels have decreased to figures we have not seen before. As it is our responsibility, we are developing a strategic, operational, and communication plan with all the actors of the System.”
On March 19, when asked if the institution contemplated implementing energy rationing due to the severity of the El Niño Phenomenon, Quirós denied that possibility.
According to ICE, the forecasted conditions for the next two weeks of “more marked absence of winds,” and rains that will barely begin to enter the reservoirs, will directly affect electricity production.
The ICE Group reported that it has activated the Procedure for the Coordination of Electricity Rationing, in the face of a possible insufficiency of resources to meet national electricity demand.
It also reminded that each distributor is obliged to inform which circuits in their concession area would be out of operation – according to the power that the SEN needs to take offline – as well as to publish the schedules when the measure would be applied.
Additionally, ICE assured that hospitals and major health centers will have continuous service and will not be affected by this eventual measure.
The Universidad (University) warned in February of this year that the combination of several factors such as the low level of hydroelectric plants, especially Arenal, scarce rainfall, and high energy demand, foreshadowed a deficit that had been overcome for years in Costa Rica and which previously forced authorities to take emergency measures.
It was also reported that the possibility of significant increases in tariffs was becoming increasingly probable, as short-term responses involve much greater use of thermal energy, which in 2023 ended with a contribution of 608,066 megawatt-hours (MWh) to the national energy demand, the highest figure since 2014.
Moreover, this medium warned that as of March 15, only one of the two private thermal plants that ICE contracted to ensure electricity supply to the country was operating in Moín, Limón; while the one that was supposed to operate in Garabito, Puntarenas, had delays in its installation and was still not operational, as the company claimed delays due to causes beyond its control. In April, this second plant entered into operation, and the cost of both contracts exceeded $80 million.
In other countries in the region, such as Honduras and Guatemala, they have been forced to make electricity cuts due to the severity of the El Niño Phenomenon, as well as in Ecuador, Peru, and Colombia.
In recent weeks, the Government of Ecuador imposed power cuts due to the drought that put the hydroelectric system in crisis; however, these were suspended from today due to the return of rains and the resumption of imports from Colombia.
Check Your Status with ICE’s NISE Number
To assist citizens in understanding if they will be affected by the scheduled shutdowns, ICE has provided a convenient online tool accessible through the National Electric Information System (NISE) number. By visiting this link and entering your NISE number, individuals can quickly ascertain their status regarding potential electricity rationing.
The NISE number, unique to each household, serves as a reference point for ICE to efficiently manage and communicate electricity-related matters to its customers. Through this online platform, residents can gain insights into whether their circuits are scheduled for temporary suspension and the corresponding timeframe, enabling them to plan accordingly.
This user-friendly interface empowers Costa Ricans to proactively prepare for potential interruptions in their electricity supply, allowing for smoother adaptation to the current energy challenges faced by the nation. ICE continues to prioritize transparency and accessibility in its communications, ensuring that citizens remain informed and equipped to navigate through these circumstances effectively.
UPDATE: National Power Rationing Alert Lifted
As of May 17, 2024, the Costa Rican Electricity Institute (ICE) has officially lifted the national power rationing alert. This decision follows significant improvements in water flow rates to the country’s hydroelectric plants and better reservoir levels, thanks to recent rains.
Key Developments:
- Increased Water Flow: The recent rainfall has notably boosted the water flow into key hydroelectric plants, aiding the recovery of regulation reservoirs such as Angostura, Cachí, Pirrís, and Reventazón.
- Energy Purchases from MER: Additional support has come from energy purchases in the Regional Electricity Market (MER), primarily from El Salvador.
- Effective Technical Management: The diligent efforts of ICE’s technical teams have been crucial in managing energy reserves effectively.
Roberto Quirós, ICE’s Electricity Manager, stated, “The arrival of the rains, combined with the diligent work of our technical teams, allows our national energy reserves to begin their recovery. We are pleased to have navigated this period without service cuts and will continue working to prevent similar events in the future.”
Ongoing Advisory:
Despite the positive news, ICE urges the public to continue using energy rationally. The variability of renewable resources remains high during the early rainy season, making prudent energy consumption essential.
ICE also noted that any failure within the Regional Electricity Market (MER), which includes Costa Rica’s National Electrical System (SEN), could affect national supply. In such cases, ARESEP’s rationing protocol would be reinstated, and the public would be promptly informed of necessary measures.
