Marcos Cochón, Superintendent of Electricity, said that the present blackouts are the result of eight power plants being out of service. He said the power deficit is at 350 megawatts. Cities in the central Cibao region are those most affected. These cities depend on power generated by the Smith Enron power plant that is located in Puerto Plata. That plant is only delivering 35 megawatts of its 185-megawatt capacity. This can result in power outages of up to 12 hours a day. Since Saturday, 25 March, several power plants are out of service, including Haina I and IV that contribute 100 megawatts, Los Mina V that contributes 103 megawatts, and San Pedro I that produces 34 megawatts. Also, Itabo I and II that generate 120 megawatts, Santo Domingo I and Timbeque II that each contribute 16 megawatts. Demand is estimated at 1,550 megawatts at peak hours (around 8 pm). Supply fluctuated between 1,000 and 1,100 megawatts yesterday. Cochón said in the Listín Diario that the system is fragile, and will continue to be so for another two years while new plants come on line. He said that at an at least 20% reserve capacity is necessary to rid the country of power outages.
