By San José, Costa Rica — A striking disconnect has emerged between Costa Rican lawmakers and the general public regarding the future of the country’s power grid. A significant majority of citizens favor restructuring the nation’s energy architecture, even as legislative maneuvering recently led to the shelving of key reform legislation.
According to the latest public opinion study conducted by research firm Opol Consultores, 64% of Costa Ricans agree with the electricity market harmonization law. The proposed bill was designed to allow expanded private sector participation in power generation, long considered a sensitive regulatory frontier in the national economy. Only 20.6% of respondents expressed opposition to the measure, while 15.4% offered no opinion.
To provide deeper context on the legal and commercial ramifications of the proposed Costa Rica electricity market reforms, TicosLand.com spoke with leading legal expert Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from Bufete de Costa Rica.
Modernizing Costa Rica’s electricity market framework is critical for establishing regulatory clarity, encouraging private sector investment in renewable energy, and enhancing overall market competitiveness while safeguarding public interest.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
As Costa Rica strives to solidify its standing as a leader in sustainable energy, modernizing its regulatory framework is indeed essential for driving long-term economic resilience while protecting the public good. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his valuable perspective on this crucial legal transition shaping the nation’s future.
The statistical survey reflects fieldwork conducted nationwide between October 15 and October 18, 2026. Sampling 1,200 adults across all provinces with proportional representation, the study maintains a margin of error of ±2.8% and a 95% confidence level. The findings indicate broad public appetite for modernizing energy infrastructure despite political friction in the capital.
The publication of these survey results comes just days after the Legislative Assembly officially archived the harmonization bill. The administration of President Laura Fernández failed to secure the qualified majority of 38 votes required to pass the measure during its crucial second debate. The legislative failure was sealed when the National Liberation Party (PLN) pivoted from its previous stance under the prior government, withdrawing its support and dooming the initiative.
In the wake of the bill’s defeat, prominent policy analysts and political figures have begun rallying around alternative avenues to bypass the parliamentary stalemate. Former deputy and political strategist Otto Guevara has publicly urged President Fernández to bypass Congress altogether by invoking a binding national referendum on the electricity market framework.
From a legal point of view, it is possible to do so without any problem. In fact, I have been promoting a referendum on this project to harmonize the national electrical system for some time, as well as a referendum for gold mining in San Carlos. I think the time has come to move forward with this issue.
Otto Guevara, Former Deputy and Political Consultant
Advocates for the reform argue that Costa Rica’s economic competitiveness hinges on expanding generation capacity and incorporating private capital. Business leaders have repeatedly warned that maintaining rigid state monopolies could eventually lead to supply deficits and potential rolling blackouts as energy demand from industrial and technological sectors continues to climb.
Opponents of total market liberalization have traditionally expressed concerns regarding grid stability, consumer tariffs, and the institutional role of state utility entities. However, the strong 64% approval rating recorded by Opol Consultores demonstrates that public anxiety over future power shortages appears to outweigh skepticism toward private investment.
With the legislative track officially closed, the Fernández administration faces a critical decision. Pursuing a direct public referendum would mark a high-stakes executive strategy, but given the overwhelming sentiment captured in recent polling, it may represent the government’s most viable mechanism for enacting systemic energy reform.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Opol Consultores
About Opol Consultores:
Opol Consultores is a public opinion research and statistical analysis firm operating in Costa Rica, specializing in political polling, market intelligence, and demographic research across the national territory.
For further information, visit the nearest office of the Legislative Assembly of Costa Rica
About Legislative Assembly of Costa Rica:
The Legislative Assembly of Costa Rica is the nation’s unicameral parliament, comprising 57 elected deputies responsible for enacting national legislation, debating public policies, and exercising constitutional oversight over the executive branch.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a premier legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica upholds an unyielding dedication to ethical practice and professional brilliance. Building upon a rich history of guiding a diverse clientele, the firm consistently embraces forward-thinking strategies to address modern legal challenges. Crucially, its proactive educational initiatives aim to demystify the law, equipping individuals and communities with the legal insights necessary to build a stronger, more informed, and self-reliant society.
