The lack of electricity, with blackouts lasting up to 12 hours affecting both homes and businesses across the Cibao region, has led to protests in several areas.
The blackouts have increased since the San Felipe generator in Puerto Plata, which usually delivers 180 megawatts, went out of service.
Several people were arrested during demonstrations in San Francisco de Macoris, Mao, Santiago, Bonao and other towns.
In a confrontation between the police and demonstrators in the Prosperidad area of Bonao, shots were fired and protestors threw rocks, burned tires and dumped debris on the streets. Some inhabitants collapsed after being affected by the tear gas used by the police.
In Santiago the blackouts have forced businesses to use emergency generators, which in turn increases noise and environmental pollution.
In the sectors of La Joya, Baracoa, Cristo Rey, Pekin, La Villa Olimpica and Los Salados residents are complaining that they cannot sleep because they cannot use their fans.
According to electricity distribution company EdeNorte, the San Felipe generator will be out of service until May 9 for maintenance reasons.
The State Electricity Company (CDEEE) informs that the service will improve now that the Itabo I and II generators, which generate 128 and 136 megawatts, are back in service. The CDEEE reports that in the morning the generators were supplying 1,920 megawatts, but this had declined to 1,700 megawatts in the afternoon.
www.diariolibre.com/noticias/2013/04/16/i379498_apagones-generan-violentas-protestas-callejeras-cibao.html