In a significant step towards modernization and environmental conservation, the Dominican government, through the Ministry of Energy and Mines, launched the National Energy Efficiency Program on Wednesday, 21 May 2025. The initiative aims to overhaul the public lighting system across the country by installing 254,000 state-of-the-art LED streetlights coupled with intelligent management systems.
This ambitious project, covering approximately half of the nation’s public lighting, is expected to slash energy consumption by over 50% in targeted areas and prevent the annual emission of 34 million tons of polluting gases, thereby making a substantial contribution to preserving the environment.
The incorporation of a remote management system will enable real-time monitoring and control of public lighting, significantly reducing operational and maintenance costs. This advanced technology will also allow for prompt detection and resolution of any anomalies in the lighting infrastructure.
Funded by a US$75 million joint investment from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) — US$39 million and US$36 million, respectively— the program will be executed in collaboration with the country’s Electricity Distribution Companies (EDEs).
At the launch event, Energy and Mines Minister Joel Santos underscored the program’s importance as a cornerstone of the nation’s sustainable development policy. He emphasized its positive impact on energy efficiency, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, and enhancement of public safety.
“Our ultimate goal is the satisfaction of our citizens, both in terms of service provision and ensuring their security. We believe that this initiative, with 254,000 new streetlights, will bring about a significant transformation in Dominican communities,” Santos stated.
The minister further highlighted that the improved lighting will stimulate economic development and reduce operational costs for municipalities, allowing them to reallocate resources to other community priorities.
Celso Marranzini, president of the Unified Council of EDEs, praised the program as a decisive move towards a more modern, efficient, and transparent energy model. “This initiative, funded by multilateral organizations, aims to optimize the services provided by distribution companies and strengthen our relationship with customers,” he noted.
The project’s strategic impact extends to urban and social improvements, enhancing public safety, encouraging nighttime commercial activity, and improving the overall use of urban spaces. It presents a unique opportunity for local governments to manage public lighting more efficiently, coordinate better with EDEs, and move towards sustainable city models.
Targeted areas include tourist destinations and regions with high nocturnal crime rates, spanning several provinces across different concession zones: Edenorte (La Vega, Montecristi, Puerto Plata, Samaná, and Santiago), Edesur (Santo Domingo, Distrito Nacional, and San Cristóbal), and Edeeste (Santo Domingo, Distrito Nacional, San Pedro de Macorís, and La Romana).
The program, overseen by the Ministry of Energy and Mines’ Vice Ministry of Innovation and Energy Transition, includes a community engagement and public information strategy to ensure resident participation and understanding of the transformation’s benefits.
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Ministry of Energy
26 May 2025