Segura says...

[NewsWhore]

State-run Electricity Companies (CDEEE) vice president Radhames Segura says that an extra 305 MW of energy will enter the national grid today. Segura made the announcement after a meeting with representatives from the National Business Council (CONEP). Segura also announced that the San Pedro de Macoris Electricity Company (CESPM) would provide an extra 200MW to the national grid by the end of the week, as part of an agreement to pay off US$30 million of the outstanding loan. Segura has made these very same promises before, insisting that the government would pay off US$34 million to the generators by October, in order to appease them and buy more time. However, the government didn't pay and a crisis ensued. Segura says government officials plan to meet at the CDEEE Club in order to discuss possible solutions to this crisis. Hacienda Minister Vicente Bengoa will also be present at the meeting. Trying to pass the buck on the issue, Segura, quoted in Listin Diario, said the crisis was the private sector's fault for not investing proper funds in the energy infrastructure. Segura made no comment on the US$700 million total debt the government has with the generators and how that has influenced the blackouts. Segura also said that fault lay with the former PRD government that extended the Madrid Accords. Segura says that of the 1000MW deficit in the energy grid, 500MW are because lack payment and 500MW are because of technical problems with the generators.

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