Energy sector ailing

[NewsWhore]

Listin Diario writes that the energy sector is on the verge of collapse and that the recent blackouts reported are far worse than those registered last week. Aside from no production from the AES, San Felipe, Los Minas and others, there is minimal generation from hydroelectric plants. Listin writes the energy deficit registered 1,021MW yesterday afternoon and reports that some sectors are experiencing 24-hour blackouts. AES, which was supposed to go back online this week, failed to do so, and so far no explanation has been provided. The government was supposed to pay off AES US$184 million, but has yet to do so, and some suggest that this is the reason the generator is still offline. The government owes the generators US$354 million and the State Electricity Companies (CDEEE) admitted that some of the generators have gone offline in order to put pressure on the government and citizens to pay their bills. AES, which also controls Los Minas V and VI, also went offline, but Listin reports that this is because of a lack of fuel. EGE-Haina and CESPM (San Pedro de Macoris) are also offline, however CESPM is offline as a result of administrative orders. EGE-Haina says it has no fuel.

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