A re-classification of the circuits in the north and the absence of the Smith-Enron generators plunged much of the northern part of the Dominican Republic into darkness over the weekend. In spite of the announced 80% supply level, many circuits in both the north and south of the DR were experiencing prolonged lack of service. Apparently, the distributors provided more electricity than normal during the end-of-the-year celebrations and are now facing some difficulties in paying the generators. This, in turn, has forced the distributors to share out the electricity to those sectors where the level of bill collection is highest, rather than supplying more marginal areas with electricity. The office of the Superintendent of Electricity said that there was enough electricity to meet 80% of demand. Francisco Mendez, the Superintendent, told reporters from Hoy that in the north, the distributor was forced to re-classify some consumers, lowering them from “A”, which receives nearly zero blackouts, to “B” which receives blackouts of around four hours, and some “B” clients were re-classified as “C” customers and were subjected to blackouts of up to eight hours. The situation was further complicated by the fact that the Smith-Enron plant in Puerto Plata is currently out of service.