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NRECA International has been active in cooperative and rural electrification project development in Costa Rica since 1963. There are currently four electric cooperatives in Costa Rica representing approximately 15% of the total electric distribution market in the country and roughly 40% of the rural-area service. The four cooperatives are completely self-sustaining, earn margins on their operations, and are continually expanding their scope and range of consumer services.
In 1989, NRECA International assisted the co-ops in forming a common-services consortium, “CONELECTRICAS,” which provides various services including power generation facility construction, financing and operations. NRECA’s assistance included developing the business plan and setting up the organization; carrying out selection, feasibility analysis, and design for small hydro projects (up to 40 MW); helping in the capitalization of CONELECTRICAS and co-financing arrangements for their development; establishing a related watershed conservation program; developing a bulk material and equipment procurement program; setting up a public information program and helping CONELECTRICAS in its advocacy activities on behalf of its member co-ops.
CONELECTRICAS and the four co-ops are now rapidly building their asset base and power investment program, and are involved in activities as diverse as tropical rainforest protection to extending telecommunications services.
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Coopelesca Visitors Train at Adams Electric