The hours of blackouts have considerably declined since the weekend, at least in several neighborhoods of Santo Domingo. Blackouts that stood at 20 hours a day have declined this week to around 12 hours a day. El Caribe newspaper reports that power on line has increased after the negotiations between the government and the companies have advanced under Finance Minister Vicente Bengoa and CDEEE administrator Radhames Segura. By Friday, the companies and the government should have conciliated debts, and negotiated how the billing to government institutions and subsidies to low-income clients will be paid.