There has been a noticeable increase in power outages over the last few days, and the reason is the government’s failure to pay its debts to the electricity companies. Yesterday’s deficit was estimated at 300mHw, and the government owes the electricity companies an estimated US$350 million. Power distribution companies Edenorte and Edesur have announced a series of scheduled power interruptions at the end of this month, for maintenance work. Santiago and La Vega provinces will be affected on the 24 and 27 January. On the latter date, there will also be cuts in Puerto Plata, Salcedo and Espaillat (Moca). The following day (28 January) will see Dajabon, Duarte (San Francisco de Macoris), La Vega, Monte Cristi, Puerto Plata, Santiago and Valverde (Mao) affected by the works. More interruptions are slated for 29 January to affect Puerto Plata, Santiago, Monsenor Nouel (Bonao), Espaillat, Duarte and Dajabon and on 30 January for Monte Cristi, Puerto Plata, Salcedo, Santiago, Espaillat and Monsenor Nouel. The dates of 24 and 27 January will affect the capital, to include the provinces of Azua, Pedernales and San Cristosbal on 27 January. On 28 and 29 January the eastern part of Santo Domingo will be subject to power cuts, along with San Cristobal on 29 January. On 30 January certain parts of the capital, Barahona and San Cristobal will feel the effects. In a communique from the “Edes”, they apologize in advance to the public for the inconveniences that this will cause.