ARESEP requires ICE to sell energy in region

April 09th,2015

ARESEP requires the Costa Rican Electricity Institute (ICE) sell their surplus energy to the Regional Electricity Market (MER), from this month until December 2016.

According to the Regulatory Authority for Public Services (Aresep), the preparation of a plan to place these -generated surplus, especially with plants hidroeléctricas- lead to cheaper electricity rates in the country.

In the first quarter, the Arenal reservoir reached a level higher than projected five meters (it was two meters from its peak). According to the Administration of Energy ARESEP, this could force the ICE, otherwise exported, to make or waste dumping in 2016, when operating Reventazón hydroelectric plant.

"The possibility that Costa Rica depends benefit, in essence, the ability of ICE to use wisely the different mechanisms offered by the MER to import when it is cheaper and exporting whenever possible", reported the regulatory body .

The Nation him Institute spokesmen consulted its position, but at press time no answer.

During 2014, Costa Rica received $ 3.6 million from the export of energy.

Between 2013 and 2014, energy imports increased by 310% (so that it was possible to cover up to 8% of domestic demand), while exports increased 246%.

Both transactions generated the country a savings of $ 44.4 million in 2014, representing 21% of total expenditure on fuels for thermal production.

Source: "La Nación"