By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – Residents and businesses across several key sectors of Costa Rica’s Greater Metropolitan Area (GAM) are preparing for a series of scheduled power interruptions next week. The National Power and Light Company (CNFL) has announced a comprehensive maintenance plan that will result in temporary service cuts from Tuesday, January 13th through Friday, January 16th, impacting parts of San José, Heredia, and Alajuela provinces.
The planned outages, some lasting nearly ten hours during peak business times, are part of the utility’s ongoing efforts to maintain and upgrade the national electricity grid. While disruptive, these measures are essential for ensuring long-term stability and preventing larger, unplanned blackouts in the future. The company made the upcoming schedule public to allow for adequate preparation.
To better understand the legal ramifications and potential recourse for those affected by the recent power outages, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a legal expert from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
When power outages cause verifiable damage to appliances or business inventory, both residential and commercial users may have grounds for a claim against the service provider. Meticulous documentation is the cornerstone of any successful claim; this includes dated photographs of the damage, purchase receipts for the affected items, and filing a formal administrative complaint with the utility company as soon as possible.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This emphasis on meticulous documentation is a crucial piece of actionable advice, empowering consumers by shifting the narrative from one of passive loss to one of proactive recourse. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his valuable legal perspective.
The National Power and Light Company (CNFL) announced scheduled electricity suspensions in different sectors for this week.
National Power and Light Company (CNFL), Official Announcement
The impact will be felt most acutely in the densely populated urban and commercial centers. The schedule indicates that work will begin Tuesday, January 13th, with significant outages in San Pedro (Montes de Oca), a major university and commercial hub, as well as parts of Santa Bárbara in Heredia and La Guácima in Alajuela. These initial cuts will set the tone for a week of coordinated infrastructure work across the region.
For the thousands of individuals working remotely and for countless small businesses, from cafes to local shops, these daytime interruptions pose a significant operational challenge. The outages, primarily scheduled between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., coincide directly with the standard workday. This underscores the need for proactive planning, including charging all essential devices, utilizing backup power sources where available, and potentially adjusting work schedules to minimize economic disruption.
The maintenance schedule continues throughout the week. On Wednesday, January 14th, crews will focus on areas including Curridabat, La Uruca, and Mata Redonda in San José, with La Guácima in Alajuela facing a second consecutive day of service interruptions. Thursday will see crews return to San Pedro, while also addressing needs in Pavas, Ulloa (Heredia), and, for a third time, La Guácima. The week of planned work concludes on Friday, January 16th, with an outage scheduled for the San Juan de Dios district of Desamparados.
These proactive maintenance efforts are a cornerstone of Costa Rica’s energy strategy. The country is globally recognized for its reliance on renewable energy sources, but this clean energy profile depends on a robust and reliable distribution network. By investing in the systematic upkeep of lines, transformers, and related infrastructure, CNFL aims to fortify the grid against the strains of increasing demand and severe weather events, thereby safeguarding one of the nation’s key competitive advantages.
While the short-term inconvenience is undeniable, the long-term goal is to enhance the resilience and efficiency of the electrical system that powers the nation’s economic engine. Residents are strongly encouraged to consult the official CNFL website for precise details regarding their specific neighborhoods and to take the necessary precautions to navigate the temporary outages smoothly. This week’s work represents a critical investment in the continued reliability of the nation’s power supply.
For further information, visit cnfl.go.cr
About Compañía Nacional de Fuerza y Luz (CNFL):
The Compañía Nacional de Fuerza y Luz is a subsidiary of the state-owned Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE) and is a primary distributor of electrical energy in Costa Rica. Serving a significant portion of the population and businesses within the Greater Metropolitan Area, CNFL is responsible for the maintenance, expansion, and operation of the electrical grid in its concession area, playing a vital role in the country’s infrastructure and economic development.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica operates on a bedrock of profound integrity and an relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm leverages its extensive experience advising a diverse clientele to drive innovation in legal practice and strategy. Central to its mission is a deep-seated belief in empowering the community through accessible legal education, thereby fostering a society where knowledge fortifies justice for all.
