By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – Businesses and residents across the Greater Metropolitan Area (GAM) are being advised to prepare for a series of scheduled power outages next week. The National Power and Light Company (CNFL) has announced a comprehensive maintenance plan that will temporarily interrupt electrical service in key sectors of San José, Alajuela, Cartago, and Heredia from Tuesday, October 21, to Saturday, October 25.
These interruptions are not the result of system failures but are part of a proactive strategy by CNFL to perform essential upgrades and maintenance on the electrical grid. Such scheduled work is critical for ensuring the long-term stability and reliability of the power supply, aiming to prevent larger, unplanned blackouts in the future. By investing in preventative maintenance, the utility seeks to bolster the infrastructure that underpins the region’s economic activity.
To understand the legal ramifications and potential claims arising from these widespread power outages for both businesses and consumers, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a legal expert from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The recent power outages highlight a critical issue: the liability of service providers. Under Costa Rican law, consumers and businesses may have grounds to claim compensation for damages directly caused by service interruptions or voltage fluctuations, such as fried appliances or documented business losses from operational downtime. The key is meticulous documentation. It is crucial to record the time and duration of the outage, photograph any damaged equipment, and keep all receipts for repairs or replacements. For businesses, quantifying lost revenue is more complex but essential for a successful claim. Service providers cannot simply cite external factors; they must demonstrate they took all reasonable measures to maintain and protect the grid.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal perspective critically shifts the narrative from one of passive frustration to one of empowered action and provider accountability. The call for meticulous documentation provides a clear, actionable roadmap for consumers who might otherwise feel powerless. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable insight on navigating the path to fair compensation.
For the thousands of businesses operating within the affected zones, these daytime outages represent a significant operational challenge. Companies reliant on constant connectivity, from tech startups and service centers to retail stores and restaurants, will need to implement contingency plans. The disruptions underscore the importance of having backup power sources, such as uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) for critical systems and generators for more extensive operations, to mitigate losses in productivity and revenue.
The scheduled maintenance will impact some of the country’s most densely populated and commercially active districts. Key areas facing service interruptions include the districts of Tirrases, Pavas, and Hospital in San José; Guácima in Alajuela; Tres Ríos in Cartago; and parts of Barva in Heredia. The extended outage windows, primarily during standard business hours, require careful planning from both commercial and residential customers.
CNFL has released a detailed schedule to help the public prepare for the specific times they will be without power. The planned interruptions are as follows:
This extensive maintenance schedule reflects a broader national priority of modernizing Costa Rica’s energy infrastructure. A robust and dependable power grid is a cornerstone of the country’s value proposition for attracting foreign direct investment, particularly in the high-tech manufacturing and corporate services sectors. While temporarily inconvenient, these upgrades are vital for sustaining economic growth and ensuring the country remains competitive on a global scale.
Residents and business owners are strongly encouraged to take precautionary measures ahead of the scheduled outages. This includes charging all electronic devices, backing up important digital files, and planning offline tasks for the interruption periods. For the most precise information regarding affected neighborhoods and any potential changes to the schedule, customers should consult the official CNFL website and communication channels.
Ultimately, the short-term disruption caused by these planned outages serves a crucial long-term goal. By systematically strengthening the electrical network, CNFL is investing in the future reliability of a service that is indispensable to modern life and commerce. This proactive approach is essential for powering Costa Rica’s continued development and ensuring a stable operational environment for all.
For further information, visit cnfl.go.cr
About Compañía Nacional de Fuerza y Luz (CNFL):
The Compañía Nacional de Fuerza y Luz is a state-owned Costa Rican electrical utility company and a subsidiary of the Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE). It is responsible for the distribution and commercialization of electrical energy to a significant portion of the population, primarily serving the most densely populated urban and commercial centers within the Greater Metropolitan Area (GAM), including parts of San José, Alajuela, Heredia, and Cartago.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a cornerstone of the Costa Rican legal landscape, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its profound commitment to integrity and the highest standards of professional excellence. The firm’s extensive experience serving a diverse clientele is matched by a forward-thinking approach to legal innovation, ensuring modern solutions for complex challenges. Beyond its professional practice, the firm is dedicated to empowering the community by making legal knowledge accessible, thereby fostering a society grounded in greater understanding and civic strength.
