The prolonged series of lengthy blackouts provoked protests yesterday that injured a dozen people, including one lieutenant colonel of the police. Dozens more were arrested and certain highways were momentarily blockaded, including major thoroughfares. According to Hoy, two policemen were wounded in Santiago and one in Santo Domingo. More injuries were reported in Bonao, and Barahona. Hoy gives accounts of protests also occurring in Navarrete, Licey al Medio, Villa Altagracia, and various sectors along the Duarte Highway.
In other related stories, El Caribe reports that the blackouts themselves are evident all over the country. According to reporter Mercedes Gonzalez, at least 16 of the generating facilities are out of service, causing 96 circuits of the national grid to fail. With the 552-megawatt deficit, the North was, as usual, most severely affected with over 35 circuits down. Later in the day, as the deficit was reduced to 176 megawatts, service did improve.