Blackouts could return

[NewsWhore]

Though there has been relative stability in the DR's energy sector of late, Listin Diario is reporting that this summer could see the return of rolling blackouts and limited energy production. According to the newspaper, the energy boat that was supposed to arrive in the DR at the end of this month has yet to leave the Philippines and the commission set up to study the details of the arrival of the Philippine ship has reported nothing on the boat's status. The barges were expected to add 242 MW of energy to the DR's power grid. Admitting that the barges have yet to leave for the DR, officials are looking for new alternatives for solving the problem. Listin Diario reports that the East Asian Power Resource Corporation has the barges in operation, but financial and legal issues are making it difficult to allow the barges to head towards the DR. Representatives for the State-run Electric Companies (CDEEE) have told CDEEE vice president Radhames Segura to forget about the barges. Other issues facing the energy sector include the AES's recent announcement that its power plant will be out of service for its yearly maintenance.

More... (http://www.dr1.com/index.html#8)