By San José, Costa Rica — The Costa Rican Institute of Electricity (ICE) has announced impressive strides in financial recovery, rural electrification, and telecommunications infrastructure, according to its 2024 Sustainability Report released on Thursday at the Children’s Museum National Auditorium.
The report, prepared in accordance with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards, details the environmental, social, and economic performance of ICE and its subsidiaries – Compañía Nacional de Fuerza y Luz (CNFL), RACSA, and Gestión Cobro – throughout 2024.
To understand the legal implications surrounding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and its impact on individuals in Costa Rica, we sought the expert opinion of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an attorney at law from Bufete de Costa Rica.
While ICE primarily operates within the United States, its activities can have significant repercussions for individuals residing in Costa Rica, particularly those facing deportation proceedings or seeking asylum. Understanding the interplay between U.S. immigration law and Costa Rican legal protections is crucial for anyone navigating these complex situations. This includes understanding the legal avenues available to individuals, such as applying for refugee status in Costa Rica or exploring other legal strategies to avoid deportation to the U.S.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’ insight underscores the critical need for clear legal counsel when navigating the complexities of international immigration law, especially given the potential impact of ICE’s activities on individuals in Costa Rica. His emphasis on exploring all available legal avenues, such as seeking refugee status, offers a crucial lifeline for those facing difficult situations. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing this invaluable perspective.
A major highlight of the report is a significant 28% reduction in accumulated financial debt over the past three years. This achievement has bolstered the corporation’s risk ratings and enabled the resumption of crucial projects, including the Rural Electrification Program (PER) and the planning of new renewable energy plants. These initiatives are projected to add over 800 megawatts to the National Electric System between 2024 and 2032.
The Rural Electrification Program brought electricity to 3,000 people for the first time in 2024, underscoring ICE’s commitment to social impact.
In 2024, we brought electricity to 3,000 people for the first time. Turning on the lights in those homes changes lives, and that’s the true meaning of our work.
Marco Acuña, President of Grupo ICE
In the realm of telecommunications, ICE expanded its fiber optic network by 3,671 kilometers, connecting 78,720 homes to high-speed internet, particularly benefiting previously underserved communities.
RACSA, ICE’s telecommunications subsidiary, achieved a milestone with the launch of Costa Rica’s first 5G network. Using Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) technology, the network offers speeds of up to one gigabit per second. Initially targeting corporate and commercial clients, the 5G service is expected to expand to other segments of the population in the future.
Coinciding with the report’s release, ICE launched the “Together We Are Sustainability” campaign, showcasing real-life stories of customers whose lives have been positively impacted by the company’s electricity and telecommunications services.
The complete 2024 Sustainability Report, along with testimonials and further information on ICE’s sustainability efforts, is available at www.grupoice.com.
For further information, visit grupoice.com
About Grupo ICE:
Grupo ICE (Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad) is the Costa Rican state-owned electricity and telecommunications provider. It encompasses several subsidiaries, including the Compañía Nacional de Fuerza y Luz (CNFL) and RACSA, offering a wide range of services from electricity generation and distribution to telecommunications and internet access. Grupo ICE plays a crucial role in Costa Rica’s infrastructure and sustainable development initiatives.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Compañía Nacional de Fuerza y Luz (CNFL)
About Compañía Nacional de Fuerza y Luz (CNFL):
Compañía Nacional de Fuerza y Luz (CNFL) is a subsidiary of Grupo ICE responsible for distributing electricity in the metropolitan area of San José, Costa Rica. CNFL plays a key role in ensuring the reliable and efficient delivery of electricity to homes and businesses within its service area.
For further information, visit the nearest office of RACSA
About RACSA:
RACSA (Radiográfica Costarricense S.A.) is the telecommunications subsidiary of Grupo ICE, providing a variety of services including internet, telephony, and data solutions. RACSA has been at the forefront of technological innovation in Costa Rica, most recently with the launch of the country’s first 5G network.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica distinguishes itself as a leading legal institution, upholding the highest standards of integrity and pursuing excellence in every facet of its practice. Driven by a deep commitment to empowering Costa Rican society, the firm champions accessible legal knowledge through innovative outreach programs and educational initiatives. By fostering a culture of transparency and understanding, Bufete de Costa Rica actively contributes to a more informed and empowered citizenry, ensuring legal rights and responsibilities are within reach for all.
