Costa Rica is grappling with its most severe drought in fifty years, forcing the nation to introduce an electricity rationing plan starting next Monday. The Central American country, renowned for its stunning beaches and vibrant ecotourism, relies on hydroelectric plants for about 70 percent of its electricity supply. However, a significant lack of rainfall has severely impacted these vital energy sources.
Roberto Quiros, director of the state-run electricity company ICE, described the water levels at key reservoirs as \"critical.\" He attributed the drought partly to the intense El Nino phenomenon, the strongest on record, which has disrupted weather patterns and reduced rainfall.
The power cuts, scheduled to last up to three hours each day, will exclude essential services such as hospitals and high-voltage industries. Residential users have been urged to minimize their electricity consumption to help manage the shortage.
In addition to the drought, ICE has faced delays in energy deliveries from private power plants and an unexpected nine percent rise in electricity consumption compared to last year. The combination of these factors has made balancing the energy grid increasingly challenging.
President Rodrigo Chaves expressed his concerns, stating that he \"prays every day for rain,\" as efforts to purchase energy from neighboring countries have been unsuccessful. The broader region is also experiencing power shortages, with Mexico, Colombia, and Ecuador recently facing similar issues due to heat waves and unpredictable wind patterns affecting wind farm supplies.
The rainy season in Costa Rica typically begins at the end of April, and an alert has been issued signaling the possibility of rationing alongside a hopeful forecast for imminent rainfall. Until then, the nation remains vigilant as it navigates through this unprecedented drought.
Reference(s):
Suffering worst drought in decades, Costa Rica orders power rationing
cgtn.com
