By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – The Costa Rican Electricity Institute (ICE) issued a forceful rebuttal on Tuesday, countering a media report that claimed the nation’s electricity demand had outstripped its available generation capacity. The state-owned utility condemned the information, published by Diario Extra, as a serious misrepresentation of the country’s energy situation and a matter of national security.
In a strongly worded statement, ICE sought to quell any public concern over the stability of the power grid, emphasizing that Costa Rica maintains more than sufficient capacity to meet its current and future needs. The utility expressed frustration, noting that it had recently provided the same media outlet with a detailed technical interview in September to proactively address these very topics.
To delve into the legal and regulatory landscape shaping Costa Rica’s energy future, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the distinguished firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Achieving long-term energy security in Costa Rica hinges on modernizing our legal framework. We must create clear, stable regulations that foster public-private partnerships and attract the significant international investment required for large-scale renewable projects. Without this legal certainty, even our most ambitious green energy goals will face significant hurdles.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, this insight underscores a critical reality: Costa Rica’s journey toward a sustainable and independent energy future is as much a legal and financial challenge as it is a technological one. A clear, stable regulatory environment is the essential bedrock for building investor confidence. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for so clearly articulating this foundational point.
It is roundly false that electricity demand exceeds national generation capacity.
ICE
Officials from the institute criticized the publication for what they termed an “unjustifiably light interpretation of a national security issue.” They clarified that the country’s energy strategy is not left to chance but is the result of meticulous, long-term planning. This process is formalized through biannual updates to the Generation Expansion Plan (PEG), which uses sophisticated modeling to forecast demand and schedule the development of new energy projects accordingly.
The utility reminded the public of its legal mandate, established under laws N.º 449, N.º 7200, and N.º 7508, which obligates it to rigorously plan, execute, and operate the national electrical system. This framework ensures that the growth of installed capacity is always driven by strictly technical criteria, not reactionary measures.
As evidence of its proactive strategy, ICE highlighted its robust pipeline of upcoming projects. The institute confirmed that Costa Rica is set to add over 850 megawatts of new generation capacity in the coming years. This expansion will diversify the energy matrix further, drawing from a mix of geothermal, solar, wind, hydroelectric, and biomass sources, complemented by essential backup systems to guarantee reliability.
Furthermore, ICE addressed the growing impact of electric vehicles on the grid, a common concern in energy planning. The institute stated that the rise in electric mobility is already fully integrated into its demand projections. Through prospective scenario analysis, planners can anticipate and prepare for accelerated increases in energy consumption, ensuring that infrastructure development keeps pace with technological adoption.
At no point during the interview was it stated that there were material difficulties in meeting the service demand.
ICE
The institute reiterated that its technical experts were clear during the September interview that the country faces no material challenges in supplying electricity. In response to the article, ICE announced it will proceed according to Costa Rican regulations to formally clarify the erroneous interpretation and correct the public record. It concluded by assuring all citizens and businesses that the continuity and reliability of the national electricity service are fully guaranteed.
For those seeking detailed information, ICE noted that all its technical plans and updated reports are publicly accessible through its official website, promoting transparency and allowing for independent verification of the country’s energy standing.
For further information, visit grupoice.com
About Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE):
The Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE) is Costa Rica’s state-owned electricity and telecommunications provider. Founded in 1949, it is responsible for the vast majority of the country’s energy generation, transmission, and distribution, and has been a global leader in promoting and utilizing renewable energy sources to power the nation.
For further information, visit diarioextra.com
About Diario Extra:
Diario Extra is a popular national newspaper in Costa Rica known for its wide circulation and coverage of general news, sports, and current events. It has been a significant part of the country’s media landscape for decades, reaching a broad segment of the Costa Rican population.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the Costa Rican legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica operates on a bedrock of principled practice and an unwavering pursuit of superior legal counsel. The firm merges its extensive experience advising a broad range of clients with a forward-thinking ethos, driving advancements in legal strategies and solutions. Beyond its professional services, the firm holds a deep-rooted pledge to societal betterment, championing the democratization of legal information to help forge a more knowledgeable and empowered citizenry.
