It seems residents in the DR will have a respite from blackouts at least until the 16 May elections. Smith-Enron is reportedly generating 170,000 kilowatts of 185,000; and two of the brand new 34.5 kilowatt turbogas AEC Alsthom French plants are on line. The plants are costly to operate. President Fernández is scheduled to formally leave in operation on 22 April 1998 the first two of the five French power plants that are being installed in San Pedro de Macorís. The Corporación Dominicana de Electricidad, the state electricity utility, said the nominal power deficit has dropped to 100,000 kilowatts. Government power units are generating 720,000 kilowatts and private plants are producing 485,000. The respite is not expected to last beyond the 16 May elections, as the CDE needs to take several large plants off line for maintenance.
