The nearly continual blackouts have immersed the entire country since early last week continued into the weekend. The deficient electrical service is a purported outcome of the critical financial situation of the generators and distributors. Showing a deficit of 520 MW, the system provided a mere 945 MW for the national grid. Last Thursday, Julian Nebreda of AES, a major private power company, told reporters that the generators were carrying a US$350-million debt with the distributors and the government. Of the money owed, the government itself is one of the biggest debtors.
While most of the country suffers blackouts of up to 20 hours duration, Cogentrix in San Pedro de Macoris has two units out of service, and Smith-Enron, Itabo Turbo Gas, Los Mina V and VI and Monte Rio are all closed down. Many other units are producing less electricity than their capacity in order to save fuel.
News reports indicate that there is, however, a glimmer of hope as Itabo I re-enters service with 110 MW. According to El Caribe on Sunday, the Itabo I unit returned to service after undergoing repairs.
The newspaper also reports that the Smith Enron unit in Puerto Plata also went back online, and the deficit in generation was lowered to 300MW from Saturday?s reported 550MW.