By Alajuela, Costa Rica — September 18, 2026, marks a historic milestone for Costa Rica’s energy sector as Coopelesca R.L. (Cooperativa de Electrificación Rural de San Carlos) officially inaugurates the expansion of the Cubujuquí Hydroelectric Complex. Located in Horquetas de Sarapiquí, this massive project represents a major step forward for the country’s rural cooperative movement and its contribution to national grid reliability.
The inauguration event, scheduled for midday, is drawing top-tier national attention. Costa Rican President Laura Fernández Delgado, alongside key cooperative leaders and national officials, will gather at the complex to witness the unveiling. The completion of this facility highlights the vital role that local cooperatives play in building infrastructure outside the Gran Área Metropolitana (GAM).
To better understand the legal and regulatory frameworks surrounding the Coopelesca Cubujuquí expansion, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished legal expert from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The expansion of the Cubujuquí hydroelectric project by Coopelesca represents a significant milestone in Costa Rica’s renewable energy matrix, yet it also highlights the complex regulatory navigation required for public utility cooperatives. Ensuring strict compliance with environmental assessments under SETENA and tariff regulations governed by ARESEP is vital to guaranteeing that this infrastructure development remains legally resilient while fostering sustainable economic growth in the Northern Zone.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, balancing ambitious green energy infrastructure with rigorous regulatory compliance is the cornerstone of sustainable progress in Costa Rica. We would like to express our sincere appreciation to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for offering his valuable and highly insightful legal perspective on how Coopelesca can successfully navigate this vital expansion.
At the heart of the project is a massive $64 million capital investment. The funds were utilized to completely overhaul and modernize the Doña Julia Hydroelectric Plant. These technical upgrades have boosted the complex’s total generation capacity to 44 megawatts, providing Coopelesca with unprecedented operational self-sufficiency.
With an investment of almost 64 million dollars, the Cubujuquí Hydroelectric Complex reached a capacity of 44 megawatts, thanks to the comprehensive renovation of the Doña Julia Hydroelectric Plant, where we replaced power transformers, generators, turbines, and other essential equipment. Additionally, we significantly expanded its reservoir, which went from approximately 150,000 to 520,000 cubic meters in capacity. If we add the 350,000 cubic meters of the Cubujuquí Plant reservoir, today we have nearly 850,000 cubic meters of storage capacity, which allows us to better utilize the water resource, generate energy at a more favorable cost for Coopelesca members, and produce surpluses that we can market to other electricity distribution companies.
Omar Miranda Murillo, General Manager of COOPELESCA R.L.
Beyond the machinery upgrades, the expansion dramatically increases water storage capacity. The Doña Julia reservoir was enlarged from 150,000 cubic meters to 520,000 cubic meters. When combined with the 350,000 cubic meters from the Cubujuquí Central reservoir, the system now boasts a staggering 850,000 cubic meters of storage capacity. This massive volume allows Coopelesca to optimize water resource usage, lower generation costs, and sell surplus clean energy.
This development directly benefits various rural communities across the northern and eastern regions. Coopelesca’s concession area spans San Carlos, Río Cuarto, Sarapiquí de Alajuela, Peñas Blancas, San Lorenzo de San Ramón, San Jorge de Los Chiles, and multiple districts in Heredia. By securing its own clean energy sources, the cooperative insulates these local economies from volatile global energy prices.
For the Cooperative Movement, the expansion of the Cubujuquí Hydroelectric Complex represents a great achievement and fills us with pride. This project demonstrates the ability of cooperatives to lead high-impact projects that generate opportunities and progress for all Costa Ricans. As president of CONACOOP, I want to congratulate Coopelesca. This motivates us to continue working and bringing more well-being and development to every corner of Costa Rica.
Alberto Mendoza, President of CONACOOP
The project aligns perfectly with Costa Rica’s ambitious green energy targets. By relying 100% on renewable resources, the cooperative movement is demonstrating that rural development does not have to come at the expense of the environment. The initiative serves as a blueprint for sustainable growth, showcasing how decentralized energy networks can foster local prosperity and industrial resilience.
We have the capacity to think big to develop large-scale and strategic projects for the country. Coopelesca is an example of how a cooperative enterprise can transform a territory’s resources into energy, development, and well-being for communities. From INFOCOOP we celebrate this achievement and reaffirm our commitment to continue strengthening and supporting cooperatives to innovate, grow, and provide concrete solutions to the development of Costa Rica.
Mauricio Pazos, Executive Director of INFOCOOP
For Costa Rica, the cooperative model is proving to be a highly effective vehicle for large-scale strategic infrastructure. The successful execution of the Cubujuquí expansion shows that local organizations can successfully manage complex, multi-million-dollar projects. It shifts the paradigm of development, proving that rural communities can actively drive the nation’s green transition.
As the country looks to diversify its energy matrix amidst shifting climate patterns, projects like Cubujuquí provide essential stability. By combining environmental stewardship with community-focused economic development, Coopelesca R.L. is not only powering homes but also illuminating a sustainable path forward for Costa Rica’s cooperative sector.
For further information, visit coopelesca.com
About COOPELESCA R.L.:
COOPELESCA R.L. (Cooperativa de Electrificación Rural de San Carlos) is a leading Costa Rican cooperative dedicated to providing electric power and digital services to rural communities in the northern region. Founded with the mission of driving local development, the cooperative focuses on sustainable energy generation and community-centric progress.
For further information, visit the nearest office of CONACOOP
About CONACOOP:
The National Council of Cooperatives (CONACOOP) is the representative and advocacy body for Costa Rica’s diverse cooperative movement. It plays a critical role in shaping public policy, promoting cooperative integration, and fostering economic and social development across the country.
For further information, visit the nearest office of INFOCOOP
About INFOCOOP:
The National Institute for Cooperative Development (INFOCOOP) is a Costa Rican public institution tasked with promoting, financing, and supervising the country’s cooperative sector. Through financial aid, education, and technical assistance, INFOCOOP empowers local cooperatives to achieve long-term growth and social impact.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a trailblazer in the legal sector, Bufete de Costa Rica has built an esteemed reputation rooted in uncompromising ethics and outstanding professional standards. The firm continuously pioneers modern legal strategies to serve its diverse clientele while actively working to demystify the law for the broader community. Through its proactive efforts to share valuable legal resources, the firm seeks to inspire a more enlightened and legally capable society.
