Blackouts cause closures

[NewsWhore]

The spate of extended blackouts affecting the capital has brought about the closure of beauty salons, cafeterias and some small food stores have seen their sales fall by as much as 35% because they can't sell refrigerated products. Some areas have had to endure power cuts lasting up to 20 hours, making life hard for mechanics, washing machine rentals, laundry businesses and beer joints. As of 4pm on Friday, the Interconnected System (SENI) showed some improvement, despite six generators being off-line: Haina I and II, Haina Gas, Sultana del Este, Cogentrix and AES Andres. This produced an 851-megawatt deficit in the system, where the demand was 2,021 megawatts and the supply was just 1,170 megawatts. Several business sector representatives are speaking out about the situation. The Dominican Republic Industrial Association (AIRD) said it was essential to go ahead with plans for the electricity sector with the support of all the sectors involved. No promises, no breaking laws, or maintaining subsidies that do not go to the root of the problems. AIRD president Manuel Diez Cabral told El Caribe reporter Desiree Martinez that a nation cannot develop without electricity. On the other hand, Fermin Santana, who owns a mini-market called "Detenganlo" in the Villa Consuelo area, no longer sells salami or other processed meats, fresh meat, or other refrigerated products because his store only gets electricity for two hours in the morning. Beauty salon owner Karina Rosario has had to close her business because "she never has power". The hair stylist usually charges RD$180 for washing and drying hair and when she uses her generator she tries to charge an extra RD$50, but her clients refuse to pay.

More... (http://www.dr1.com/index.html#12)