Types of commercial and industrial electricity in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a world leader in the production of electric energy from non-contaminating sources. According to the 2021 International Competitiveness Index (ICI), the country generated 99.2% of its electricity from alternative sources to fossil combustion in 2020, surpassing nations such as Switzerland, Norway, Sweden, and France.

This reality has a direct impact on the types of electricity available for the commercial and industrial sectors of the country.

Types of electricity in Costa Rica

110V

This is the standard voltage for residential use in Costa Rica. It is used in homes, offices, and small businesses. This voltage is compatible with most common household appliances.

220V

It is used in some commercial and industrial domains, especially for machinery and specific equipment that requires higher power, such as electric motors, ovens, and industrial heaters.

440V

It is utilized in industries that require even higher power and operate in three phases. This voltage is ideal for factories, workshops, and businesses with high energy consumption.

Configurations and elements of different types of electricity in Costa Rica

Monophase: Predominant in small businesses and some residences; it is suitable for lighter and domestic loads.
Three-phase: Used in the industrial and commercial sectors where higher power levels are needed. It allows for efficient energy supply to larger equipment and industrial motors.
High voltage: Costa Rica has a high-voltage transmission network that allows efficient transportation for large volumes of energy. This infrastructure is crucial for the distribution of energy at the national level and ensures the stability of the electrical supply.
Transformer bank: These devices assist in the efficient adaptation and distribution of electricity, ensuring a stable and secure power supply.

Sustainable production in Costa Rica

In line with its sustainability focus, Costa Rica has maintained, for seven consecutive years, electricity production from clean sources exceeding 98%. Additionally, the country has implemented strategies, such as the progressive elimination of the use of oil derivatives in the electrical matrix, demonstrating a commitment to decarbonization and environmental conservation.

Hydropower leads the Costa Rican energy matrix with 71.95%, followed by geothermal (14.90%) and wind (12.39%). Biomass and solar energy contribute 0.54%.

Electric Services for Properties

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by NATIVU Comercial & Desarrollo (@nativucomercial)

The CNFL (Compañía Nacional de Fuerza y Luz) provides electrical services for properties, including both single-phase and three-phase connections with voltages ranging from 120/240v, 120/208v, 240/480v, to 277/480v. The connection type and voltage is set in consultation with electrical engineers hired for the project.

Requirements for Electrical Services:

Individual (Natural Person):
- National ID for nationals.
- Documents proving residency for foreigners.
Legal Entity:
- Original recent legal status document.
- ID card of the legal representative.
- Documents proving residency for foreign legal representatives.

Additionally, the documentation must be current and meet the requirements established by the CNFL.

It is important to consider that the choice of the appropriate type of electricity for a business or industry depends on various factors, such as the required power, the type of machinery and equipment used, and local norms and regulations. In addition to the mentioned types of electricity, Costa Rica is also promoting the development of distributed generation and microgrids, allowing consumers to generate and consume their own energy.

If you are interested in investing in the country, Costa Rica offers a variety of electricity options for the commercial and industrial sectors, with a strong focus on sustainability and energy efficiency.

Explore investment properties in Costa Rica