10 May 2024 | 06:15 AM UTC
Costa Rica: Government plans rolling power outages nationwide from May 13 due to low hydroelectricity generation
Authorities plan rolling power outages in Costa Rica from May 13 due to reduced hydroelectricity generation. Business disruptions likely.
Authorities have announced that electricity rationing will begin nationwide from 05:00 May 13 due to reduced hydroelectricity production amid an extended period of low rainfall. Rolling power outages will occur throughout the country for no longer than three hours per day. The length of the rationing measures is unclear; the amount of rainfall over the coming weeks will determine the extent and duration of load shedding measures. Authorities have stated that the measures will prioritize electricity for hospitals, government services, and industrial sites.
Power outages will likely persist over the coming weeks. Officials could implement additional power rationing measures, including suspending working days or increasing power outage periods. Disruptions to business operations are likely. Blackouts could disrupt certain essential services such as municipal water distribution, ATMs, and fueling stations. Traffic disruptions are possible due to malfunctioning traffic signals. There is an increased security threat during power outages. Blackouts could adversely affect security protocols, including alarm systems and electronic fences; opportunistic criminal activity could increase during electricity outages.
Develop or review business continuity plan (BCP) sections regarding utility outages. Identify business-critical functions that require a power supply. Invest in generators and, if applicable, uninterruptible power supply (UPS) units. Power laptops, tablets, mobile phones, and other business or travel-critical appliances regularly. Plan for business disruptions and travel delays due to traffic congestion during outages. For safety reasons, monitor generators while they are operating due to potential fires. Unplug appliances and electronic equipment to protect against surge damage when power resumes. Heed the directives of officials.
