As was generally expected, after the artificial good days that led into the election, power blackouts have returned with a vengeance. The real truth behind the spate of blackouts is financial. Power generators are supplying lesser amounts of electricity as they await payments on arrears owed by the government-run Edesur and Edenorte power distribution companies. Power outages are now reportedly lasting for approximately 10 hours at a stretch. El Caribe reports that the blackouts have not worsened because hydroelectric power generators are supplying 307 megawatts to the national grid. According to the grid?s coordinating office, there was a generation supply deficit of 31% of the demand.
Hoy newspaper also reports that propane gas supply problems have similarly returned after a period of respite during the elections. The Dominican Petroleum Refinery dispatches have slowed again, as there have been delays in the arrival of tankers due to payment arrears.