The Dominican government has paid US$77.8 million dollars since August to the companies that generate electricity for the Dominican Republic. Finance Minister Vicente Bengoa revealed that the government has paid US$14 million to the generators via the CDEEE. Haina, Itabo, Union Fenosa, Smith-Enron and other entities also received parts of the total amount. According to Hoy and El Caribe, the debt to the generators exceeds US$150 million. Bengoa characterized the payment as part of Leonel Fernandez’s “extraordinary efforts” to keep the country’s electric system afloat.