ICE considered pilot plan succesful despite delays

June 01st,2014

In October 2010, the Costa Rican Electricity Institute (ICE) has launched a pilot program for customers who wanted to generate their own electricity.

Attracted much interest, their term of grew from two to five years and expanded its goal.

Instead of five megawatts (mW) of installed capacity at the end of the project, the goal today is ten mW to 2015, said Alexandra Arias, in charge of the plan.

"Our expectations were exceeded in full; interest is very strong, "he said.

Currently have 169 clean energy projects interconnected network of ICE equivalent to 600 kW installed.

However, the entity 230 handles applications today would add seven mW. A mW is 1,000 kilowatts (kW).

Between applications and interconnected plants, 95% are photovoltaic (solar panel).

Initially residential projects were one or two kilowatts, but since last year we were up to 100 from hotels, industries and commerce," said the engineer.

However, the success of the initiative today to press for the slowness ICE company and customer attribute to the entity granting permits interconnection.

On average, this process consumes two to three months of waiting, say companies that install these systems.

Arias knows, but recalled that, for technical reasons, ICE verifies that the plants are safe for the subscriber and the distribution network and the installed capacity is agreed before admitting a new plant.

Arias admits hurry and training more officials and inspection procedures due to demand.

Last month, in the Official Gazette a legal framework for solar power plants was published, he said.

Thus, once the pilot is completed, ICE and other companies are authorized to give the nod to the customers who are interested in acquiring such systems.

New energy culture. Whilst this future arrives, the current experience of the ICE also helps in the formation of culture among current subscribers might succumb to temptation (and opportunity) to forgo paying almost the entire monthly electric bill.

"In San Isidro de General, there was a family that placed panels on the roof of his house. Within three months, we received five applications over the same neighborhood, "Arias said.

The plan, incidentally, it also provides market intelligence to identify ICE habits and interests of those who invest in this type of clean electricity. The issue, he says, goes beyond cost savings.

In follow-up visits to homes with solar systems interconnected, residents become very thrifty and conscious use of energy.

"As we now generate their own electricity, avoid wastage because that energy eventually reaches the core network and results in an energy credit for the home that will be used in the future", also recalled the special projects coordinator for ICE.

"Turn off lights you are not using", "turn off the TV," "Open the fridge only if you need something"; exemplify the kind of "little signs" that have been found in these houses. Usually, said Arias, attached to the door of the refrigerator.Another feature of these people is their sensitivity to the care of the environment. "For these people this investment represents an opportunity to take care of nature and note that most are genuinely interested in preserving the environment," he said.

Source: 'La Nación'