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Demand side management in Costa Rica: Exploring regulatory measures for its implementation

Salazar Bejarano, Raquel LU (2011) In IIIEE Master thesis IMEN56 20111
The International Institute for Industrial Environmental Economics
Abstract
A reliable electricity sector is imperative for the development and competitiveness of Costa Rica. During the last decade, electricity demand has been growing faster than the expansion of the power network, and the demand side efforts have been almost inexistent. Therefore, since 2007 the electricity sector of Costa Rica is in a vulnerable position. In fact, for 2014 energy shortages have been anticipated if no actions are taken. Within this context, DSM emerges as an alternative worth to explore to achieve a more efficient electricity consumption. In light of that, this thesis identifies the potential advantages that DSM can bring to Costa Rica, and the barriers that are hampering its implementation in order to provide an outline of the... (More)
A reliable electricity sector is imperative for the development and competitiveness of Costa Rica. During the last decade, electricity demand has been growing faster than the expansion of the power network, and the demand side efforts have been almost inexistent. Therefore, since 2007 the electricity sector of Costa Rica is in a vulnerable position. In fact, for 2014 energy shortages have been anticipated if no actions are taken. Within this context, DSM emerges as an alternative worth to explore to achieve a more efficient electricity consumption. In light of that, this thesis identifies the potential advantages that DSM can bring to Costa Rica, and the barriers that are hampering its implementation in order to provide an outline of the policy actions that can be taken by policymakers to kick-start a DSM culture in Costa Rica. The analysis aims to start a discussion about why DSM can be an option for the country and how it could be implemented. Overall, DSM can significantly contribute to improving the security and sustainability of Costa Rica electric sector in the long run. There are several alternatives and combinations for delineating a DSM scheme, and its final characteristics will be the result of a political negotiation process. DSM is a complex topic because to be effective it requires aligning the country, utilities, and consumers interests. Therefore, the most immediate action is to start raising awareness about the values of DSM to generate enough public support, and get funding to support the actions needed to develop a DSM culture in Costa Rica. (Less)
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author
Salazar Bejarano, Raquel LU
supervisor
organization
course
IMEN56 20111
year
type
H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
subject
keywords
Demand side management, energy savings, Costa Rica
publication/series
IIIEE Master thesis
report number
2011:10
ISSN
1401-9191
language
English
id
2202446
date added to LUP
2011-11-08 15:01:23
date last changed
2011-11-08 15:01:23
@misc{2202446,
  abstract     = {{A reliable electricity sector is imperative for the development and competitiveness of Costa Rica. During the last decade, electricity demand has been growing faster than the expansion of the power network, and the demand side efforts have been almost inexistent. Therefore, since 2007 the electricity sector of Costa Rica is in a vulnerable position. In fact, for 2014 energy shortages have been anticipated if no actions are taken. Within this context, DSM emerges as an alternative worth to explore to achieve a more efficient electricity consumption. In light of that, this thesis identifies the potential advantages that DSM can bring to Costa Rica, and the barriers that are hampering its implementation in order to provide an outline of the policy actions that can be taken by policymakers to kick-start a DSM culture in Costa Rica. The analysis aims to start a discussion about why DSM can be an option for the country and how it could be implemented. Overall, DSM can significantly contribute to improving the security and sustainability of Costa Rica electric sector in the long run. There are several alternatives and combinations for delineating a DSM scheme, and its final characteristics will be the result of a political negotiation process. DSM is a complex topic because to be effective it requires aligning the country, utilities, and consumers interests. Therefore, the most immediate action is to start raising awareness about the values of DSM to generate enough public support, and get funding to support the actions needed to develop a DSM culture in Costa Rica.}},
  author       = {{Salazar Bejarano, Raquel}},
  issn         = {{1401-9191}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  series       = {{IIIEE Master thesis}},
  title        = {{Demand side management in Costa Rica: Exploring regulatory measures for its implementation}},
  year         = {{2011}},
}