Part of this is the fact that Costa Rica is an energy exporter. Handling consumption peaks means either using fossil fuels, or vastly over producing electricit

Part of this is the fact that Costa Rica is an energy exporter. Handling consumption peaks means either using fossil fuels, or vastly over producing electricity during non-peak hours (which in a free market can cause odd incentives such as negative energy prices). CR as an energy exporter, they generally produce way more than the country consumes, so they get to handle the peaks in a way that is unique to places that have energy importing neighbors. I will add, this electricity is produced by a government run monopoly that keeps prices extremely high, which has chocked out much of the manufacturing done in the area. Even tradition, old school Costa Rican brands which supply the local market have been moving to Nicaragua and Panama (Jack's snacks for example) Still, the achievement is great news and commendable.