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  An error in the system of the new so-called smart electricity meters failed and caused a blackout in several places in the Greater Metropolitan Area, GMA. There were approximately 19,011 smart electricity meters that failed. - Illustrative photo -  |
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Published
Wednesday, June 23, 2021
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff On Monday, an error in the system of the new so-called smart electricity meters failed and caused a blackout in several places in the Greater Metropolitan Area, GMA. According to the National Electricity Company, which is a public organization part of the Electricity Institute, there were approximately 19,011 smart electricity meters that failed. The system malfunction interrupted the electric services in homes and offices mainly in the GMA, which is an area made up of cities in the outskirts of San José such as Alajuela, Heredia and Cartago. According to the National Electricity Company, the failure of the smart electricity meter started at 1 p.m. on Monday. Most reported outages were restored approximately 12 hours later. However, about 278 customers affected by the blackout had to wait until Tuesday for company workers to get to where the smart electricity meter was placed to repair the damage. Failing electrical boxes is an issue, now more than ever, because many Costa Ricans are working remotely during the pandemic. These at-home safety measures are imposed by the government to decrease infections of covid-19. According to National Electricity Company, these smart electricity meter provides advantages such as: » New technology in electrical consumption measurement systems. » Access meter reading remotely for monthly billing. » This type of meter will provide alerts of different events that affect the service, allowing service restoration quickly. » Timely access to information regarding electricity consumption. » Automatic detection of supply failures and more timely attention for their restoration. » If the service is suspended due to non-payment, the reconnection time once the bill is canceled will be faster. "We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused to our clients,'' Adán Marchena, a representative of the company said in his message posted on the company’s social media.  More than 500,000 smart electricity meters were installed in the country, according to the Electricity Institute. In 2018, the Institute announced a loan with the Inter-American Development Branch for $500 million to partially finance the plan called "Renewable Energy, Electricity Transmission and Distribution Program." The plan is to use the loan for the development and continuity of geothermal generation projects known as Las Pailas II, Borinquen I and Miravalles. The funds are also supposed to be invested in hydroelectric energy projects such as Río Macho. Authorities also plan on stretching the loan to cover the cost of improving electricity transmission and distribution wires, investing in public lighting services and the installation of smart electricity meters, among other projects. -------------------------- Should the government take down the monopoly on power services? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com  Real Estate For Sale
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