Costa Rica is sweating it out! 😓 Facing the worst drought in five decades, the lush Central American paradise is gearing up for electricity rationing starting next Monday.
It's not just about missing the afternoon rain showers—this dry spell has hit hard, slashing water levels at hydroelectric plants that usually churn out a whopping 70% of the country's electricity. 🚱⚡
Roberto Quiros, the electricity director at the state-run ICE (that’s the Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad, not the frozen stuff we're missing!), called the situation \"critical.\" He points the finger at El Niño, the infamous weather troublemaker, saying this one's the fiercest on record. 🌞🔥
But wait, there's more! Delays from private power plants and a spike in electricity demand—up 9% compared to last January—aren't helping. ICE is asking everyone to pitch in by cutting down on power use wherever possible. 🙏
President Rodrigo Chaves isn't holding back either. He's praying for rain daily (aren't we all?), especially since neighboring countries are in the same boat and can’t spare any juice. 🌧️🕯️
The scheduled power cuts will last up to three hours each day but don't worry—hospitals and essential services are staying lit. Still, it's a throwback to 2007, the last time Costa Rica had to ration electricity. Talk about a retro moment we'd rather skip! 🕰️
Not just Costa Rica, though. The heat wave is throwing shade (or lack thereof) across the region, with Mexico, Colombia, and Ecuador feeling the burn, too. 🌎🔥
So, what's next? While we all do our best rain dances, let's remember to unplug those extra devices, maybe read a book by daylight, and keep the pura vida spirit alive! 📖✨
Stay cool, Costa Rica! We're all in this together. 💪
Reference(s):
Suffering worst drought in decades, Costa Rica orders power rationing
cgtn.com
