A generation shortfall of over 400 MW caused widespread blackouts yesterday, with many plants across the country unable to provide service. Cogentrix in San Pedro de Macoris is still offline, asserting that a letter of credit to pay off the government?s US$30-million debt has yet to be issued. The letter of credit was part of a deal struck several weeks ago to resolve the impasse. Many other electric producers are also contributing the shortage, for a variety of reasons: a boiler problem took Itabo I out of service, Smith-Enron is down for maintenance, and Higuamo I has an oil leak that needs repair. Lack of rain has lowered the levels at the Tavera and Jig?ey hydroelectric plants, causing production deficits there.