Production deficits are being blamed for prolonged blackouts in several areas of the country, including the North, Northeast and North Coast. Los Mina VI, however, which produces 105 MW of energy, has become the first Dominican plant to begin operation on natural gas, one of the least expensive fuels. The Los Mina VI plant had been using Fuel Oil #2, the most expensive fuel for power generation in large-scale units. The AES Corporation refitted the plant to use natural gas and installed a gas pipeline directly from the wharf to the plant. Since generation rates are fixed in the Dominican Republic, the company will reap most of the savings.
The Cogentrix plant at San Pedro de Macoris is still not operating, however, despite last week?s payment of US$10 million. It has been shut down due to a payment dispute since 24 October 2002.