ARESEP adopted new energy quality regulation

April 02nd, 2014.

The Board of the Regulatory Authority approved a new regulation to control the planning, operation and access to the National Electricity System (SEN). This regulation, which replaces one issued in 2001, the technical and commercial conditions under which permit access of users to the national transmission and distribution are established.

The regulation establishes guidelines to consider in the operation and development of SEN, in order to meet domestic demand at optimum cost, maximize renewable generation and minimize thermal generation, among others.

Another part of the new legislation is that it provides the interconnection and operation of micro and mini generators using renewable sources for consumption. This will allow users to install on their property, equipment for wind generation, biomass and / or solar, to meet its electricity needs and can deliver surplus production to distribution companies, later consume Exchange (kWh).

Applicants must have a qualification (which must define the MINAE), comply with the technical conditions laid down in the regulations ARESEP and undergo operational testing that companies require.

On the other hand, are established and defined criteria to measure the quality of service of transmission and generation. And according to the measurements are made, the management of the transmission and generation assets will be assessed. All utilities are obliged to provide the information necessary to operate and plan the operation of the system and meet the technical requirements of the ARESEP according to the regional regulation.

This law also regulates the operation of the electricity system in case of rationing, which must prevail criterion of minimum duration and frequency with respect to outages if rationing.

In this regard, the regulation requires utilities to report in detail on the duration, frequency and location of rationing scheduled eight days in advance. And in case of defaults ARESEP impose financial penalties.

Some conditions to ration electricity are to be scheduled Monday to Saturday, between 5 am and 10 pm; and can not stop services in hospitals, clinics, emergency radio stations, pumping system for drinking water, fuel pump, industry, road lighting, metropolitan area and sites of economic concentration.

Source: ARESEP