Costa Rica’s Electricity Rates to Soar
The Public Services Regulatory Authority in Costa Rica has confirmed that electricity rates will increase by 15% to 20% for all distribution companies starting January 2025, due to higher thermal energy consumption in 2023 and 2024. The Costa Rican Chamber of Industries warns that the increase could reach up to 26.6% and calls for measures to spread the increase over 24 or more months.
The Costa Rican Electricity Institute has relied heavily on hydrocarbons and energy imports to meet electricity demand, as its hydroelectric generation reservoirs are in critical condition. The estimated cost to be passed on to subscribers amounts to approximately $347.4 million, but this figure may increase after a new assessment is conducted in the coming days.
Illegal Logging in Costa Rica Refuge
Several environmental organizations in Costa Rica have united to raise their voices against the illegal logging taking place in the Gandoca Manzanillo Refuge, citing concerns about the collapse of biodiversity, loss of public spaces, and socio-environmental challenges in light of the climate emergency.
They demand the restoration of usurped areas within the refuge, the delimitation and reincorporation of 188 hectares of State Natural Heritage, and a moratorium on permits for logging, extraction, exploitation, and construction in wetlands, forests, and other ecosystems. The groups also call for investigations into those who granted the permits and invite the public to join their petition for the recovery of the Gandoca-Manzanillo Refuge, which will be submitted to various institutions, including Congress and the Public Prosecutor’s Office.
Brisa Hennessy Tops World Surf Rankings
Costa Rican surfer Brisa Hennessy secured an impressive second-place finish at the Tahiti Pro, the sixth stop of the 2024 World Tour, earning 7800 points and jumping to the top of the World Tour rankings. Her exceptional skills and consistency, showcased by her victories over Olympic champion Carissa Moore in the quarterfinals and world champion Caroline Marks in the semifinals, have solidified her position among the top five surfers who will compete in the World Tour Finals in California this September.
As the new world number one, Hennessy will wear the yellow leader’s jersey at the next tour stop in El Salvador, marking her third World Championship Tour final since her debut in 2019 and garnering significant attention and support from proud Costa Ricans.
