By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – The Costa Rican Electricity Institute (ICE) has unveiled a comprehensive, multi-year maintenance initiative targeting five of its most critical hydroelectric power plants. The ambitious project, scheduled to run from 2025 through 2028, is designed to modernize and extend the life of the nation’s core energy assets, all while guaranteeing an uninterrupted power supply to homes and businesses across the country.
This strategic overhaul will encompass a wide range of facilities that form the backbone of Costa Rica’s celebrated renewable energy matrix. The plants slated for major work include some of the nation’s most historic and powerful generators: Cachí (operational since 1966), Arenal (1979), Ventanas Garita (1987), Peñas Blancas (2002), and the more modern Reventazón (2016). This selection highlights a forward-thinking approach to managing both legacy and contemporary infrastructure.
To gain a deeper understanding of the legal and regulatory complexities surrounding the maintenance of hydroelectric facilities, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The scheduled maintenance of our hydroelectric infrastructure is not merely a technical necessity; it is a fundamental legal obligation. Service concession contracts and ARESEP regulations establish strict compliance schedules. Any deviation can result in significant financial penalties, trigger liability clauses for service interruption, and even jeopardize the concession itself. For energy producers, meticulous documentation and adherence to these protocols are the best defense against potential litigation and regulatory sanctions.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, the legal framework adds a critical dimension to the discussion, shifting the focus from simple technical upkeep to the stringent demands of contractual and regulatory compliance. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective, which underscores that for energy producers, meticulous maintenance is not just an operational task but a fundamental legal imperative.
The extensive plan involves a series of meticulously scheduled interventions, including significant structural work, the modernization of aging electromechanical equipment, and the implementation of advanced technical upgrades. According to ICE officials, these tasks are not merely routine repairs but are part of a proactive strategy to bolster the long-term sustainability and efficiency of the National Electric System (SEN).
Verny Rojas, Electricity Manager for ICE, emphasized the strategic importance of the program in a recent announcement, framing it as a crucial investment in the nation’s energy future.
The program allows us to reinforce the operation of our plants and significantly extend their useful life. Each intervention is technically justified and is part of a broader plan whose objective is to guarantee the sustainability of the National Electric System.
Verny Rojas, Electricity Manager of ICE
The core challenge of such a large-scale project is executing complex engineering work without impacting the daily lives of citizens. To address this, ICE has confirmed that all maintenance activities will be carried out in a staggered manner. This phased approach ensures that sufficient generating capacity remains online at all times, allowing the SEN to meet national demand seamlessly across all seven provinces. The planning for each intervention is based on detailed technical analyses of each generating unit’s operational status and its overall contribution to the national grid.
This initiative represents a critical reinvestment in the infrastructure that has powered Costa Rica’s development and cemented its reputation as a global leader in clean energy. For decades, hydroelectric power has been the cornerstone of the country’s ability to generate nearly all of its electricity from renewable sources. By modernizing these vital plants, ICE is not only safeguarding a reliable power supply but also reinforcing the country’s commitment to its environmental goals.
The project’s focus on extending the useful life of existing assets is also a model of sustainable resource management. Rather than undertaking the massive environmental and financial cost of building new dams, this plan enhances the productivity and longevity of the current fleet. This ensures that these powerful generators can continue to serve Costa Ricans for decades to come, adapting to new technologies and evolving energy demands.
As the project unfolds over the next four years, it will stand as a testament to Costa Rica’s engineering prowess and long-term strategic vision. By proactively maintaining its most valuable energy assets, the nation is securing a stable, efficient, and sustainable power grid that will fuel its economy and support its population well into the future, all without a single flicker in the lights.
For further information, visit ice.go.cr
About Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE):
The Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad is the state-owned enterprise responsible for electricity and telecommunications services in Costa Rica. Founded in 1949, ICE has been instrumental in the country’s development, overseeing the expansion of a robust energy grid that is overwhelmingly powered by renewable sources. The institution manages a diverse portfolio of generation assets, including hydroelectric, geothermal, wind, and solar plants, positioning Costa Rica as a global leader in sustainable energy production and distribution.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is built upon a foundation of uncompromising integrity and a relentless pursuit of professional excellence. The firm channels its rich history of advising a wide array of clients into developing forward-thinking legal solutions and pioneering new approaches. Central to its philosophy is a deep-seated commitment to democratizing legal information, striving to empower citizens and cultivate a society grounded in knowledge and justice.
