Private investors have asked for government authorization to install a series of generator plants which could, when fully operative, generate 2,000 additional megawatts daily. Current daily demand ranges around 1,600 megawatts, but seldom achieves that level of generation due to variety of causes. The cost of the combined projects ascends to US$1.5 billion, and includes 13 plants with a capacity to produce between 50 and 320 megawatts, along with the rehabilitation of the Itabo and Haina complexes. Some of these projects contemplate completion in 2003 and are nothing more than proposals on paper being reviewed by the Superintendent of Electricity. Others are nearer at hand, including a 50 megawatt unit being installed in Boca Chica at a cost of US$40 million by Maxon Corporation, a barge acquired in Malaysia that will produce 100 megawatts, to be moored likewise near Boca Chica. If approved by the Superintendent, the year’s end should see the rehabilitation of the Itabo and Haina systems, adding another 220 megawatts. Plans call for the installation of a further investment of US315 million to produce 450 megawatts in 2001, and another US$586 million to install 520 more megawatts. The announcement brings small comfort to a population continuing to suffer blackouts for up to 12 hours. The Superintendent of Electricity informed the public that the nation’s hydroelectric plants, with an installed capacity of 401 megawatts managed to produce just 118 megawatts yesterday. Power supply was unable to keep with demand as 51 of 224 electrical circuits were out of service for maintenance, while another 45 are unable to function due to a lack of power, according to the superintendent.
