In an attempt to avoid the threatened blackout, the authorities have authorized a further payment of RD$1.75 billion to the power generating companies, due to be processed in the next 48 hours. The sum of this installment represents, however, a mere 15% of the total sum owed by the government to the generating companies, who claim to be running out of fuel. The Haina generator alone is owed over RD$3 billion. President Hipolito Mejia, who ordered the payments to be made, said that he hoped this would mean “the start of a significant improvement in the electricity supply service.” Nevertheless, the prolonged power cuts of up to 20 hours have not abated, and the newspapers report that the deficit in supply remains at over 50%. State electricity company (CDEEE) executives denied that a complete shutdown of power supplies was imminent. CDEEE administrator Cesar Sanchez said that there was enough fuel in the country to power the generating stations and that moves were already afoot to ensure the purchase of the needed fuel. He did not, however, go as far as to promise a complete recovery from the crisis. El Caribe’s main editorial calls for all to join forces to face the problem and suggests a “national dialogue”. It recommends an end to all state involvement in the sector, including phasing out subsidies to disadvantaged neighborhoods. The writer does not spare the private sector and slams the favorable conditions and “leonine contracts” enjoyed by some of the generating companies, resulting in impossibly high prices for the consumer.