Final evaluation of the Costa Rica energy policy development project : executive summary

Evaluation covered the period 9/81-12/85 and was based on document review and interviews. The project purpose was achieved. Since its establishment in 1982, the Direccion Sectoral de Energia (DSE) has grown in size and influence to become a participant in many major policy matters, especially those regarding energy demand and renewable energy resources. While many objective targets were not (and may never be) achieved, accomplishments are substantial, including: creation and acceptance of a holistic view of the energy sector; good DSE working relationships with other entities; very effective training and exchange activities in terms of type and number of trainees (although at a cost double that programmed); and good DSE performance in producing demand surveys and analyses, energy balances, an energy information system, and a computer planning model. Still, the nature and amount of energy planning capacity building which can be attributed to the project was different and less than anticipated. Targets were both inappropriate and overambitious; the project was expected to contribute directly to improving the Costa Rican economy, but the overall objective should have been stated, rather, in relation to the energy sector. Short-term TA was mostly in the form of consultancies for studies, with less than expected effectiveness; neither the contractor nor USAID/CR made an effort to ensure the timely completion of work, and the sum of a series of singly justified extensions dampened overall achievement. The greatest disappointment is that DSE has not yet produced the National Energy Sector Plan, despite its capability to do so; the project's development impact will be more easily measured when the plan is produced and after the elections for a new government in 2/86. Two lessons stand out. (1) Technical and management assistance must be assured throughout a project. In this case, long-term TA should have been provided for 3 years instead of 2, despite the relatively high level of experience of Costa Rica's professionals and institutions. (2) The universal tendency to establish high performance expectations should be tempered, or USAID should be willing to provide additional TA to see that these expectations are met. Logical next steps are to: (1) continue support for the programs and studies of DSE and other energy sector entities; (2) consider funding public information campaigns, senior staff training, further studies, and the implementation of industrial energy conservation audit recommendations; and (3) provide funds for expanded energy conservation efforts in the transport sector.