Electric firms should anticipate rationing

April 03rd, 2014

From now on, should alert utilities, eight days in advance, when, where and for how long the rationing of energy apply. Otherwise, they will be punished.

Such rationing can only be scheduled from Monday to Saturday, between 5 am and 10 pm and never in hospitals, clinics or emergency radio stations.

They may not apply in systems pumping potable water or fuel in the industrial sector or economic concentration and road lighting.

So what defines the new rules of power quality approved yesterday Regulatory Authority of Public Services (Aresep).

This is a general framework that regulates the quality, plan the operational side and access to electricity. That the technical and commercial conditions to be met by operators and users entering the network down.

The regulation provides a new option for those who produce energy for their own consumption.

These may, just have a qualifying title (awarded by the Ministry of Environment and Energy), connect to the network of distributors and "save" there surpluses, which then will return. "Generators are also required to maximize the use of renewable resources and minimize heat generation. Defined criteria for measuring the quality of transmission and generation, "said Carolina Mora, spokesperson ARESEP.

Source: 'La Nación'

Utilities must advise eight days before rationing services

ARESEP approved new regulation for the National Electricity System

April 02nd, 2014

The companies that provide electric service shall inform users detail on the duration, frequency and location of rationing scheduled eight days in advance. Failure to comply with this guideline would be fined by the regulator.

The move announced Wednesday by the Regulatory Authority of Public Services (Aresep), is included in a new regulation that was approved by the institution, which seeks to regulate the planning, operation and access to the national grid.

This document also provides that in case of rationing criteria must prevail minimum duration and frequency with respect to service interruptions.

Also fixed some conditions to ration such as service, which is scheduled from 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.

At the same time, the legislation provides for the interconnection and operation of micro and mini generators using renewable sources for consumption, allowing users to install on their property, equipment for wind generation, biomass and / or solar, to meet your needs electricity and can deliver surplus production to distribution companies, later consume Exchange (kWh).

For this work, they must have authorization certificate (which you define the Minae), comply with the technical conditions laid down in the regulations ARESEP and undergo operational testing that companies require.

According ARESEP, also establishes criteria for measuring the quality of service of transmission and generation.

Source: 'La Nación'

'Free way' for solar energy

Consumers may deliver their surplus produced

April 02, 2014

Consumers of its electricity generated by the sun or other renewable source , and will be able to see reflected a decrease in their energy bills , to deliver the surplus produce your dealer.

This is possible because the Regulatory Authority for Utilities ( Aresep ) approved Monday night the technical note on the planning , operation and access to electricity system , which allows something that today only the ICE and the Public Service Company Heredia had a pilot plan that had an expiration date .

The next step is that this regulation is published in the Gazette , to make it official , so all distributors should heed the note of the regulator.

At the time that happens, ARESEP may set rates for the generation, distribution , support and energy delivery nationwide system in regard to distributed generation.

This energy model is ideal for those with a lower to 3000 kwh per month electric bill as actually be diminished payments to energy distributors .

Currently, there are financing plans to do so in your home or business .

This will allow homeowners, industries or companies to deliver national electric system surplus electricity generated by solar or other renewable systems .

A company that spends less than 3000 kilowatts per month , would lower your energy bill .

Those who consume more , could lose rank.

In homes is where you can install the system more easily, with greater advantage regarding the generation, consumption and what the system can deliver .

In the latter case , the system costs about $ 5000 , and banks are giving soft rates to encourage overcrowding.

Source: 'La Republica'

Volume of rains decrease between 30% and 50% in the Caribbean and the north zone

February 26th, 2014

A rainfall deficit of between 30% and 50% of the historic average by region, since last December affected the Caribbean coast and the northern part of the country.

The situation turned on the alarms and the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG), although not yet crop losses or animals are reported.

Erick Quirós, director of regional operations of MAG, said one of the concerns is that large areas of pasture for cattle have little drought resistant varieties.

This practice is common in the Caribbean and the north, because in those sectors rains almost all year.

Deficit. Luis Fernando Alvarado, specialist (IMN) National Meteorological Institute, confirmed the decline in rainfall, especially in the Caribbean. He said he fell by 50% in some places.

Added that a situation quite similar climate has presented in the Caribbean during the past two or three years.

Some transnational banana companies and other independent producers intensified irrigated trials. This is done in small areas of about 20 hectares, preventing the decline in rainfall resulting permanent, Edgar said Quiros, president of the National Association of Independent Banana Producers. If so, the risk would extend to the entire estate.

The administrator Cantonal Agricultural Center (CAC) of Los Chiles, Kenneth Serrano said yellowed grass and dry ravines in the area and observed but not yet reported losses.

Quirós said that in the Caribbean are positive to reduced rainfall and high temperature: soursop, papaya and Chinese pipa gain more sweetness in this weather collaborated. Carlos Hernandez.

Souce: La Nación