Gilberto de la Cruz: 'We have already incorporated private generation that we need'

June 25th, 2014

Given the unstoppable cost of electricity tariffs, the productive sector and authorities seek ways to stop it. One option being considered is to increase the involvement of private companies in power generation. However, the Costa Rican Electricity Institute (ICE) shows some reservations.

According to you, the ICE is willing to buy from private generators "all the energy is." Did they give 455 megawatts (MW) by 2017?

Yes, that energy is already being contracted private. By 2017 they will enter three hydroelectric projects (150 MW) which were awarded several years ago, and two wind (100 MW). In late 2012 we did a contest of private generation, where we award 100 MW wind and 30 MW of hydro. On April 21 we received bids for 40 MW wind and 30 MW of hydro.

Do you agree to remove or raise the share cap (it is now 15%) of the private?

That is a political decision of the Legislative Assembly.

Sure, but do you agree?

What I say is that we have already incorporated private generation that we need. In the plan, we have determined that this is what is required in the current percentage. More private generation has to be whether it is economical and whether to incorporate.

To lower the cost of light, ask open industrial sector monopoly and so, ICE ceases to have much control.

That is an issue that has been debated in the country for 20 years and that has not been resolved and that diay, the political sector will have to solve. I am a technician. It is important that you see from other countries have opened their markets. That will teach him.

Have you considered rule and seek alternative plans Diquís hydroelectric project (in the south of the country)?

The idea now is to continue as we are, with many small projects, we do not know whether they will achieve and fossil generation, as we have now.

The Ministry of Environment and Energy (Minae) claimed in April that no perceived progress in three years and $ 129 million spent. How much more will give Diquís?

This administration needs to be solved if done or not done. The basic design stage has already been completed and are now doing the environmental impact, but lack the social viability.

The country prefer not to bet both the fall rains, but diversify generation sources.

We found that the most economical and suitable is the leading online Diquís. The route expansion, including this project, seems very appropriate, because it incorporates a source with a major reservoir, which will allow better regulate the climate problem. Not the edge of the water; if it rains a lot, keep it. If the country does not, it will be lost forever.

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