Here we go again His predecessor, Radhamés Segura vehemently opposed the way privatization of the CDE was occurring and constantly spoke out against the newly privatized companies (AES and Unión Fenosa- Edesur/Edenorte). Now the new manager is feeling the same bind and effects. The main problem is that the privatization went ahead without the Congress passing the Electricity Bill that provided for the regulatory framework. As a result, energy distribution in the DR is highly profitable for the new companies, and inordinately costly for consumers. After a love affair of several months when power supply considerably improved in the DR, the general manager of the Dominican Electricity Corporation, Cesar Sanchez spoke up yesterday against the distributors. Apparently he was frustrated that despite the CDE having on paper 50% of the shares of the new companies, he had been denied access to financial documents on operations and purchase bids. "Not only do we not have information, but they do what they feel like," he told the press. Newspapers carry the usual report of increasing power bills and the frustrations of consumers that have nowhere or no one to take their appeals to given the lack of a regulatory framework. Engineer Sánchez said he has felt the crunch even at his own home. He commented on how his bill went up to RD$11,200 from a usual RD$9,000 with no justification. He said that they calculated more days of service to justify the increase in consumption. He demanded that the Ministry of Industry and Commerce issue a resolution that provides mechanisms to defend consumers from unjustified billing increases. Engineer Sánchez also criticized what he called the practice of the distributors of not delivering the bills on time in order to gain from the surcharge on arrears. Recently, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce ruled that the companies could bill a maximum 2.5% surcharge. Codetel, the leading phone company, charges 2% for late payments. Changing subject, the general manager of the CDE told the press that a new environmental impact study would be carried out to verify the results of the original study that showed that the construction of the Manabao-Bejucal-Tavera dam would affect Jarabacoa. Sánchez feels the construction of the three dams will not harm the area. The government gave green light to their construction, but the community of Jarabacoa strongly opposes the projects.
