Costa Rica is currently grappling with its most severe drought in over five decades, prompting the government to implement electricity rationing measures due to significantly reduced hydroelectric power generation. This unprecedented situation is primarily attributed to the drastic shortfall in rainfall, impacting the country renowned for its eco-tourism reliant on its verdant landscapes and extensive coastlines. Typically, hydroelectric plants contribute approximately 70% to the nation's electricity supply, but the current drought conditions have severely hampered this energy source (Murillo, 2024).

The state-controlled electricity company, Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE), has traced the root of these challenging conditions to the climatic anomaly known as El Niño, which is noted to be the most severe instance on record. Roberto Quiros, the director of electricity at ICE, reported that the water levels in the main reservoirs are at "critical" lows. He also highlighted complications arising from delays in energy deliveries from privately contracted power plants. This is not the first instance of electricity rationing in the country; a similar situation occurred back in 2007 (Murillo, 2024).

Scheduled Power Cuts

In response to the crisis, ICE has scheduled power cuts starting from the upcoming Monday. These outages are expected to last up to three hours each day, although essential services like hospitals, industries, and other high-voltage customers will not be affected (Murillo, 2024). Also, ICE is appealing to residential customers to minimize their electricity usage as much as possible. The situation is so dire that President Rodrigo Chaves admitted to daily prayers for rain. His attempts to secure additional energy supplies from neighboring countries have been thwarted by a regional power shortfall, with nations like Mexico, Colombia, and Ecuador also experiencing similar issues due to a concurrent heat wave. These difficulties are compounded by atypical wind patterns, which have also adversely affected energy production from wind farms.

Despite the onset of Costa Rica’s rainy season in late April, ICE has already issued alerts about the potential for further rationing, paired with a yet-to-materialize forecast for imminent rainfall. The strain on the power grid is further exacerbated by a notable increase in electricity demand, with official data from January showing a 9% rise compared to the same period last year (Murillo, 2024). This crisis underscores the vulnerabilities of heavily relying on hydroelectric power, particularly in regions susceptible to climatic variances like Costa Rica. The ongoing situation poses significant challenges not only to the ecological balance but also to the economic stability of a country that depends greatly on ecotourism. As Costa Rica navigates through these trying times, the global community is reminded of the pressing need for diversified energy sources and more resilient infrastructure to withstand the unpredictable nature of climate change.