The recent blackouts are not due to a generation deficit, but rather to breakdowns caused by the excessive demand for electricity. Almonte spoke when interviewed during the Corripio Communications Group luncheon.
“These blackouts are not due to generation deficit, on the contrary, we have between 200 to 300 megawatts idle. The blackouts are due to the surge in demand due to the number of air conditioners (explained by the heat) that have forced the operation of transformers and substations that have 40 and 50 years of operation and are in very bad conditions and has caused breakdowns,” he said.
Media reports indicate power outages have targeted specific areas, such as Higuey in the East and Greater Santo Domingo.
Almonte said that climate change is affecting energy production in the country, resulting in increased demand from consumers. He also mentioned the impact of sargassum on power generation and the reduction of hydroelectric production due to the present drought.
The present heat wave has impacted the demand. He said that record demands of between 3,000 and 3,200 megawatts per day have been registered.
Almonte said that consumer demand has caused an overload in the distribution networks, resulting in interruptions in different areas, especially where the equipment is obsolete or where there are many users.
Edesur, the largest National District power distributor, says it has served 98.75% of the demand.
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11 May 2023