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Res. 32140-2026 Sala Constitucional · Sala Constitucional · 20/08/2026
OutcomeResultado
The Chamber denied the amparo because ICE had answered the request about solar generation and interconnection before the application was filed.La Sala declaró sin lugar el amparo porque el ICE había respondido la solicitud sobre generación solar e interconexión antes de que se presentara el recurso.
SummaryResumen
The Constitutional Chamber (Sala Constitucional) denied the amparo application against the Costa Rican Electricity Institute (ICE) alleging that it had failed to answer a request about photovoltaic solar projects. It found that ICE received the request on 13 March 2026 and answered it in official letter 0610-093-2026, sent to the applicant’s designated email address on 18 May, before the amparo was filed on 24 July. Among other points, the response explained the contracting and interconnection procedures and stated that approval of the definitive connection application requires a copy of the environmental viability issued by SETENA. It also described two connection studies and explained that a preliminary assessment neither assigns a definitive connection point nor reserves capacity. Because the response preceded the amparo application, the Chamber found no violation of fundamental rights. The ruling does not decide the merits of an application to generate electricity.La Sala Constitucional declaró sin lugar el amparo presentado contra el Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE) por la supuesta falta de respuesta a una solicitud sobre proyectos solares fotovoltaicos. Tuvo por acreditado que el ICE recibió la gestión el 13 de marzo de 2026 y que respondió mediante oficio 0610-093-2026, enviado al correo señalado por la persona solicitante el 18 de mayo, antes de que se presentara el amparo el 24 de julio. La respuesta explicó, entre otros puntos, los procedimientos de contratación e interconexión, e indicó que para aprobar la solicitud definitiva de conexión se requiere copia de la viabilidad ambiental emitida por SETENA. También describió dos estudios de conexión y señaló que la evaluación preliminar no asigna un punto definitivo ni reserva capacidad. Al constatar que la respuesta antecedió al amparo, la Sala descartó una infracción de derechos fundamentales. La sentencia no decide el fondo de una solicitud de autorización para generar electricidad.
Key excerptExtracto clave
For approval of the Definitive Connection Application, PT-09 establishes in Section 3.1 the requirement to submit a copy of the environmental viability issued by the National Environmental Technical Secretariat (SETENA). Likewise, Book III of the Regional Electricity Market Regulations (RMER), in Section 4.8.3, Step 3—the form for submitting an application to connect to the Regional Transmission Network (RTR)—requires submission of the environmental permit or license for the generating plant. It should be noted that this action took place even before the present amparo was filed on 24 July 2026. Accordingly, the present amparo must be denied, as is hereby ordered.Para la aprobación de la Solicitud de Conexión Definitiva, el PT-09 establece, en su Sección 3.1, como requisito la presentación de la copia de la viabilidad ambiental emitida por la Secretaría Técnica Nacional Ambiental (SETENA). Asimismo, el Libro III del Reglamento del Mercado Eléctrico Regional (RMER), en la Sección 4.8.3, Paso 3 – Formato para Presentar la Solicitud de Conexión a la Red de Transmisión Regional (RTR), exige la presentación del permiso o Licencia Ambiental correspondiente a la planta de generación. Nótese que dicha actuación se llevó a cabo con anterioridad a que fuera incluso interpuesto el presente recurso el 24 de julio de 2026. Así las cosas, el presente recurso debe ser declarado sin lugar, como en efecto se ordena.
Pull quotesCitas destacadas
"No debe interpretarse, bajo ninguna circunstancia, como la asignación de un punto de conexión definitivo. No implica la reserva de capacidad ni de espacio físico en las instalaciones existentes."
"Under no circumstances should it be interpreted as assigning a definitive connection point. It does not imply a reservation of capacity or physical space in existing facilities."
Respuesta del ICE sobre la Solicitud Preliminar de Conexión
"No debe interpretarse, bajo ninguna circunstancia, como la asignación de un punto de conexión definitivo. No implica la reserva de capacidad ni de espacio físico en las instalaciones existentes."
Respuesta del ICE sobre la Solicitud Preliminar de Conexión
"Actualmente no se encuentran definidos precios ni tampoco bonificaciones asociadas con la incorporación de sistemas de almacenamiento en baterías como tal."
"At present, no prices or bonuses have been set for adding battery storage systems as such."
Respuesta del ICE sobre almacenamiento en baterías
"Actualmente no se encuentran definidos precios ni tampoco bonificaciones asociadas con la incorporación de sistemas de almacenamiento en baterías como tal."
Respuesta del ICE sobre almacenamiento en baterías
Full documentDocumento completo
CONSTITUTIONAL CHAMBER OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUSTICE. San José, at 9:20 a.m. on 20 August 2026.
Amparo proceeding filed by Nombre01, passport Identificacion01, against the COSTA RICAN ELECTRICITY INSTITUTE.
BACKGROUND:
Justice Cruz Castro drafts the decision; and, REASONS:
The applicant states that, in a document marked as received on 13 March 2026, he submitted a request to the respondent authority, asking: “(…)
The following facts are established as relevant to resolving this amparo proceeding:
“2. On the estimated date of the next call for proposals. According to the 2024–2040 Generation Expansion Plan and its June 2025 Short-Term Update, an approximately 200 MW block of photovoltaic solar energy is estimated to be required for addition to the National Electric System in 2029. In this context, the ICE is currently adjusting the system’s needs and the most appropriate supply arrangement to meet that requirement, in line with the forthcoming update to demand projections for 2026–2045, adjustments to the commissioning dates of projects currently under way, projects being advanced by distribution companies, the options under Ley 7200, and projects the ICE is currently studying.
“3. On prices for battery storage. At present, no prices or bonuses have been set specifically for incorporating battery storage systems. However, under Ley N.° 10086, Promotion and Regulation of Distributed Energy Resources from Renewable Sources, distributed generation for self-consumption is provided for, with operating arrangements involving delivery of surplus energy to the grid, no delivery of surplus energy, or island operation, as well as the incorporation of energy storage systems as distributed energy resources. The Law provides that surplus energy may receive financial compensation, taking into account the time-of-use rate and the seasonal period in which it is injected, when it is of value to the system and in accordance with the regulatory instrument issued by ARESEP. Accordingly, for 2026, the ICE approved the following prices as compensation for surplus electricity produced by distributed energy resources: ₡27,40/kWh during peak hours, ₡27,40/kWh during off-peak hours, and ₡19,04/kWh during the nighttime period. These prices are the applicable values set by the ICE and are consistent with the rates approved by ARESEP under the regulations currently in force for distributed energy resources.
“4. On the detailed process and requirements for interconnecting solar energy projects. The interconnection of photovoltaic solar energy projects to the National Electric System (SEN) is based primarily on the following regulatory framework: • PT-09 – Procedure for Handling Applications for Connection to the SEN. • DPS-03-NORM-001 – Information Requirements for Submitting Applications for Connection to the ICE Transmission System. • Book III of the Regional Electric Market Regulations (RMER), particularly Section 4.5, Procedure for Access to the Regional Transmission Network (RTR), where applicable.
“Under PT-09, the interconnection process includes two connection studies associated with two formal applications: a preliminary application and a definitive application.
“I. Preliminary Application for Connection to the SEN. At this stage, the Network Owner must analyze or prepare, as applicable, the studies needed to determine the preliminary technical feasibility of the requested connection. The preliminary study serves as a signal for expansion of the Network Owner’s network and is a fundamental input for the Interested Party’s project development. The study details the works required for the connection, as well as any possible network reinforcements needed. The outcome of this assessment: • Must not, under any circumstances, be construed as assigning a definitive connection point. • Does not reserve capacity or physical space in existing facilities. • May be used by the Interested Party to assess the project’s feasibility, taking into account the uncertainties inherent at this stage. • Is valid for two years, as provided in PT-09.
“II. Application for Definitive Connection to the SEN. At this stage, the Network Owner must carry out the definitive technical feasibility studies. Those studies must be evaluated and approved by the System Operator, a function that the ICE assigns to the Division of Electric System Operation and Control (DOCSE). Where the connection is to the transmission system, the Interested Party must formally request, by letter addressed to DOCSE, an assessment of whether the proposed connection point falls within the: • Regional Transmission Network (RTR), or • National Transmission Network.
“If the assessment determines that the connection falls within the RTR, the Interested Party, DOCSE, and the Network Owner must comply with the procedures and requirements established by the regional regulations in force, in accordance with the RMER. If the connection does not fall within the RTR, the Interested Party must coordinate with DOCSE to obtain the SEN database and the technical assumptions to be used by the Network Owner in preparing the definitive electrical studies.
“Once the Application for Definitive Connection is approved, it is valid for two years, and the following stages proceed: • Execution of the connection works and associated system reinforcements. • Conduct of field tests and commissioning tests. • Validation of compliance with the approved technical requirements. • Authorization for the project to begin commercial operation.
“The PT-09 procedure can be downloaded from the ICE’s official website at the following link: https://www.grupoice.com/wps/wcm/connect/24a811cc-5019-44c1-b119- 34f517f703a8/Procedimientos_N_7_y_9_Operacion_SEN.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&CVID= p3xsFK. The Regional Electric Market Regulations (RMER) are available on the website of the Regional Electric Commission (CRIE) at the following address: https://crie.org.gt/marco-regulatorio/#RMER.
“5. On environmental assessment as a prerequisite for approval of the interconnection. For approval of the Application for Definitive Connection, Section 3.1 of PT-09 requires submission of a copy of the environmental viability issued by the National Environmental Technical Secretariat (SETENA). Likewise, Book III of the Regional Electric Market Regulations (RMER), Section 4.8.3, Step 3 – Form for Submitting an Application for Connection to the Regional Transmission Network (RTR), requires submission of the corresponding environmental permit or license for the generation plant.
“6. On the number of feasibility, capacity, and final interconnection studies required and their requirements. The Generation Project should have one feasibility study, with its scope and technical depth being the responsibility of the interested party, and confirming the project’s viability. Under Ley 7200, the ICE conducts a general review of the study to ensure that eligibility is granted to a project that has reached an appropriate level of maturity (see the regulation on—). Regarding assignment of the connection point, under PT-09 only two connection studies are required, and these are conducted by the ICE. The first is the Preliminary Application for Connection to the National Electric System (SEN), as set out in Section 3: Preliminary Application for Connection to the SEN; the second is the Definitive Study associated with the Application for Connection, as provided in Section 4: Application for Connection to the SEN.
The technical and information requirements applicable to both applications, as well as the associated costs, are set out in procedure DPS-03-NORM-001: Information Requirements for Submitting Applications for Connection to the ICE Transmission System. That document is available on the website of the Costa Rican Electricity Institute at the following link: https://www.grupoice.com/wps/wcm/connect/d44ba1d0-a746-409a-94b0- 3fb7c978f157/DPS-03-NORM-001.pd. The foregoing was sent to the applicant by email at 11:30 a.m. on 18 May 2026 to address ...01” (report from the respondent authority).
The report submitted under oath by the respondent authorities, with even the criminal consequences provided for in Article 44 of the Constitutional Jurisdiction Law, rules out a violation of the applicant’s fundamental rights, for the reasons set out below. It is established that, in a document marked as received on 13 March 2026, the applicant submitted a request to the respondent authority, asking: “(…)
“2. On the estimated date of the next call for proposals. According to the 2024–2040 Generation Expansion Plan and its June 2025 Short-Term Update, an approximately 200 MW block of photovoltaic solar energy is estimated to be required for addition to the National Electric System in 2029. In this context, the ICE is currently adjusting the system’s needs and the most appropriate supply arrangement to meet that requirement, in line with the forthcoming update to demand projections for 2026–2045, adjustments to the commissioning dates of projects currently under way, projects being advanced by distribution companies, the options under Ley 7200, and projects the ICE is currently studying.
“3. On prices for battery storage. At present, no prices or bonuses have been set specifically for incorporating battery storage systems. However, under Ley N.° 10086, Promotion and Regulation of Distributed Energy Resources from Renewable Sources, distributed generation for self-consumption is provided for, with operating arrangements involving delivery of surplus energy to the grid, no delivery of surplus energy, or island operation, as well as the incorporation of energy storage systems as distributed energy resources. The Law provides that surplus energy may receive financial compensation, taking into account the time-of-use rate and the seasonal period in which it is injected, when it is of value to the system and in accordance with the regulatory instrument issued by ARESEP. Accordingly, for 2026, the ICE approved the following prices as compensation for surplus electricity produced by distributed energy resources: ₡27,40/kWh during peak hours, ₡27,40/kWh during off-peak hours, and ₡19,04/kWh during the nighttime period. These prices are the applicable values set by the ICE and are consistent with the rates approved by ARESEP under the regulations currently in force for distributed energy resources.
“4. On the detailed process and requirements for interconnecting solar energy projects. The interconnection of photovoltaic solar energy projects to the National Electric System (SEN) is based primarily on the following regulatory framework: • PT-09 – Procedure for Handling Applications for Connection to the SEN. • DPS-03-NORM-001 – Information Requirements for Submitting Applications for Connection to the ICE Transmission System. • Book III of the Regional Electric Market Regulations (RMER), particularly Section 4.5, Procedure for Access to the Regional Transmission Network (RTR), where applicable.
“Under PT-09, the interconnection process includes two connection studies associated with two formal applications: a preliminary application and a definitive application.
“I. Preliminary Application for Connection to the SEN. At this stage, the Network Owner must analyze or prepare, as applicable, the studies needed to determine the preliminary technical feasibility of the requested connection. The preliminary study serves as a signal for expansion of the Network Owner’s network and is a fundamental input for the Interested Party’s project development. The study details the works required for the connection, as well as any possible network reinforcements needed. The outcome of this assessment: • Must not, under any circumstances, be construed as assigning a definitive connection point. • Does not reserve capacity or physical space in existing facilities. • May be used by the Interested Party to assess the project’s feasibility, taking into account the uncertainties inherent at this stage. • Is valid for two years, as provided in PT-09.
“II. Application for Definitive Connection to the SEN. At this stage, the Network Owner must carry out the definitive technical feasibility studies. Those studies must be evaluated and approved by the System Operator, a function that the ICE assigns to the Division of Electric System Operation and Control (DOCSE). Where the connection is to the transmission system, the Interested Party must formally request, by letter addressed to DOCSE, an assessment of whether the proposed connection point falls within the: • Regional Transmission Network (RTR), or • National Transmission Network.
“If the assessment determines that the connection falls within the RTR, the Interested Party, DOCSE, and the Network Owner must comply with the procedures and requirements established by the regional regulations in force, in accordance with the RMER. If the connection does not fall within the RTR, the Interested Party must coordinate with DOCSE to obtain the SEN database and the technical assumptions to be used by the Network Owner in preparing the definitive electrical studies.
“Once the Application for Definitive Connection is approved, it is valid for two years, and the following stages proceed: • Execution of the connection works and associated system reinforcements. • Conduct of field tests and commissioning tests. • Validation of compliance with the approved technical requirements. • Authorization for the project to begin commercial operation.
“The PT-09 procedure can be downloaded from the ICE’s official website at the following link: https://www.grupoice.com/wps/wcm/connect/24a811cc-5019-44c1-b119- 34f517f703a8/Procedimientos_N_7_y_9_Operacion_SEN.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&CVID= p3xsFK. The Regional Electric Market Regulations (RMER) are available on the website of the Regional Electric Commission (CRIE) at the following address: https://crie.org.gt/marco-regulatorio/#RMER.
“5. On environmental assessment as a prerequisite for approval of the interconnection. For approval of the Application for Definitive Connection, Section 3.1 of PT-09 requires submission of a copy of the environmental viability issued by the National Environmental Technical Secretariat (SETENA). Likewise, Book III of the Regional Electric Market Regulations (RMER), Section 4.8.3, Step 3 – Form for Submitting an Application for Connection to the Regional Transmission Network (RTR), requires submission of the corresponding environmental permit or license for the generation plant.
“6. On the number of feasibility, capacity, and final interconnection studies required and their requirements. The Generation Project should have one feasibility study, with its scope and technical depth being the responsibility of the interested party, and confirming the project’s viability. Under Ley 7200, the ICE conducts a general review of the study to ensure that eligibility is granted to a project that has reached an appropriate level of maturity (see the regulation on—). Regarding assignment of the connection point, under PT-09 only two connection studies are required, and these are conducted by the ICE. The first is the Preliminary Application for Connection to the National Electric System (SEN), as set out in Section 3: Preliminary Application for Connection to the SEN; the second is the Definitive Study associated with the Application for Connection, as provided in Section 4: Application for Connection to the SEN.
The technical and information requirements applicable to both applications, as well as the associated costs, are set out in procedure DPS-03-NORM-001: Information Requirements for Submitting Applications for Connection to the ICE Transmission System. That document is available on the website of the Costa Rican Electricity Institute at the following link: https://www.grupoice.com/wps/wcm/connect/d44ba1d0-a746-409a-94b0- 3fb7c978f157/DPS-03-NORM-001.pd. The foregoing was sent to the applicant by email at 11:30 a.m. on 18 May 2026 to address ...01” (report from the respondent authority). Note that this action took place before this amparo proceeding was even filed on 24 July 2026. Accordingly, the present application must be dismissed, as is hereby ordered.
The parties are advised that any paper documents submitted, as well as any objects or evidence contained on an additional electronic, computer, magnetic, optical, or telematic device or produced using new technologies, must be collected from the court office within a maximum period of 30 business days from notification of this judgment. Otherwise, all material not collected within that period will be destroyed, pursuant to the “Regulations on Electronic Case Files before the Judiciary,” approved by the Full Court at session number 27-11 of 22 August 2011, Article XXVI, and published in Judicial Bulletin number 19 of 26 January 2012, as well as the resolution approved by the Superior Council of the Judiciary at its session number 43-12 held on 3 May 2012, Article LXXXI.
THEREFORE:
The application is dismissed.
Fernando Castillo V.
President Fernando Cruz C.
Paul Rueda L.
Luis Fdo. Salazar A.
Jorge Araya G.
Anamari Garro V.
Ingrid Hess H.
CASE FILE No. 26-026747-0007-CO Telephone: 2549-1500 / 800-SALA-4TA (800-7252-482). Fax: 2220-4607 / 2220-4844. Email address: www.poder-judicial.go.cr/salaconstitucional. Address: (Dirección01).
SALA CONSTITUCIONAL DE LA CORTE SUPREMA DE JUSTICIA. San José, a las nueve horas veinte minutos del veinte de agosto de dos mil veintiseis .
Recurso de amparo interpuesto por Nombre01, pasaporte Identificacion01, contra del INSTITUTO COSTARRICENSE DE ELECTRICIDAD.
RESULTANDO:
Redacta el Magistrado Cruz Castro; y,
Considerando:
El recurrente indica que en escrito con fecha de recibido el 13 de marzo de 2026 presentó una solicitud a la autoridad recurrida, en la que solicitó: “(…)
De relevancia para dirimir el presente recurso de amparo, se tienen por acreditados los siguientes:
Del informe rendido bajo juramento por las autoridades recurridas, con las consecuencias incluso penales que prevé el numeral 44 de la Ley de la Jurisdicción Constitucional se descarta una infracción a los derechos fundamentales de la parte recurrente, con fundamento en las consideraciones que a continuación se exponen. Al respecto, se acredita que en escrito con fecha de recibido el 13 de marzo de 2026, el recurrente presentó una solicitud a la autoridad recurrida, en la que le solicitó: “(…)
IV.Documentación aportada al expediente. Se previene a las partes que de haber aportado algún documento en papel, así como objetos o pruebas contenidas en algún dispositivo adicional de carácter electrónico, informático, magnético, óptico, telemático o producido por nuevas tecnologías, estos deberán ser retirados del despacho en un plazo máximo de 30 días hábiles contados a partir de la notificación de esta sentencia. De lo contrario, será destruido todo aquel material que no sea retirado dentro de este plazo, según lo dispuesto en el "Reglamento sobre Expediente Electrónico ante el Poder Judicial", aprobado por la Corte Plena en sesión número 27-11 del 22 de agosto de 2011, artículo XXVI y publicado en el Boletín Judicial número 19 del 26 de enero de 2012, así como en el acuerdo aprobado por el Consejo Superior del Poder Judicial, en la sesión número 43-12 celebrada el 3 de mayo de 2012, artículo LXXXI.
POR TANTO:
Se declara sin lugar el recurso.
Fernando Castillo V.
Fernando Cruz C.
Paul Rueda L.
Luis Fdo. Salazar A.
Jorge Araya G.
Anamari Garro V.
Ingrid Hess H.
EXPEDIENTE N° 26-026747-0007-CO
Document not found. Documento no encontrado.