Due to the drought triggered by the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) global climatic phenomena, power supply cut-off schedules will be forced across the country beginning Monday, May 13, 2024, warned the Institute of Electricity (ICE).

ENSO occurs when the tropical Pacific Ocean's winds and sea surface temperatures change. El Niño (the boy in English) refers to the warming phase of sea surface temperature, whereas La Niña (the girl in English) corresponds to the cooling period.

Since early 2023, El Niño has caused severe droughts in Costa Rica, which has significantly reduced the amount of water stored in hydroelectric dams.

The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reports that the Niño of 2023-24 is diminishing. Forecasters predict an 85% likelihood of El Niño ending and the tropical Pacific returning to neutral conditions by June, 2024.

Authorities expect the rains predicted over the coming week will restore normal water levels in the country's hydroelectric dams.

However, until the water reservoirs achieve appropriate levels, the power supply cut-off protocol will be implemented nationwide.

The power supply will be switched off for five days, from Monday, May 13 to Friday, May 17. The emergency solution aims to regulate the electricity generated by the country's hydroelectric power dams.

The electricity will be turned off from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., but only for three hours every day in specific districts.

 

Authorities advised visiting the Compania Nacional de Fuerza y Luz (CNFL) website to learn about the exact schedule for power outages in each location.

On the website, there is an option to contact the "Suspenciones Programadas," or the power supply cut-off schedule in English.

On the CNFL website, which is the country's state-owned power provider, the NISE code must be submitted.

The NISE code, which relates to the customer number, appears on electricity payment bills. 

 

In addition to CNFL, the country has six entities responsible for delivering power to rural regions. These organizations will also set up power cut-off timetables for each zone.

To know about the particular timetable of power outages in each rural region, interested persons should visit the websites of each agency, such as: 

 

• Jasec in Cartago Province.

• Esph in Heredia Province.

• Coope Alfaroruiz R.L in Zarcero Canton, Alajuela Province.

• Coopesantos in Los Santos Canton, San José Province.

• Coopeguanacaste in Nicoya Peninsula.

• Coopelesca is located in the country's northern zone, bordering Nicaragua.

Furthermore, the government directive ensures that vital public institutions, such as the ICE, the Institute of Water, the Ministry of Public Security, public clinics, and hospitals, among others, do not experience power outages.

If the rains are barely enough to feed the hydroelectric power dams, officials will consider extending the power supply cut-off period for the remainder of the month, they warned.

A.M. Costa Rica urges readers to share this alert with their contacts.

---------------
What should Costa Rica do to avoid a power supply cut-off? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com