NewsWhore
11-05-2009, 01:30 PM
Speaking at the American Chamber of Commerce luncheon yesterday, Celso Marranzini, vice president of the State-run Electricity Companies (CDEEE), called for ridding the energy sector of politics, as reported in Listin Diario. In his talk on the "Present and Future of the Electricity Sector in the DR", he mentioned the installation of new meters using financing from the World Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank and the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). He said this would be part of the new efforts to improve collections and reduce the distributors' losses. He said that distribution and generation should be in private hands. The CDEEE is currently responsible for power distribution in most of the national grid, with the exception of pockets of privatized areas in La Romana, Samana and Punta Cana. Marranzini says that transmission and hydroelectric power generation should continue to be government-run.
Marranzini suggested that pension funds could be used for the electricity sector.
He also spoke out about enforcing the electricity law that establishes a limit on the term of the present Superintendent of Electricity, calling for a change of superintendent.
He mentioned plans for 600 megawatts in a natural gas-fired generator in Manzanillo, and work entrusted to SCN Lavalin for installation of 150 megawatts that should be available by 2011.
As reported in Diario Libre, he said that when he took office two months ago, the debt with the generators was more than US$500 million, with six months in arrears. The CDEEE and affiliates also held commercial debt for US$1.0 billion. He said in his first 75 days on the job, he had reduced sector expenses by RD$44.6 million a month, a 40% reduction compared to the former periods. Furthermore, he announced the state subsidy to the sector was reduced from US$65 million a month in August to US$23 million for this October, while at the same time covering 90% of commitments with generators.
Marranzini cited the fact that in August collections were RD$4.15 billion, for a 23.5% increase. He commented the country loses US$3.0 billion a year due to inefficiency in the sector.
More... (http://www.dr1.com/index.html#1)
Marranzini suggested that pension funds could be used for the electricity sector.
He also spoke out about enforcing the electricity law that establishes a limit on the term of the present Superintendent of Electricity, calling for a change of superintendent.
He mentioned plans for 600 megawatts in a natural gas-fired generator in Manzanillo, and work entrusted to SCN Lavalin for installation of 150 megawatts that should be available by 2011.
As reported in Diario Libre, he said that when he took office two months ago, the debt with the generators was more than US$500 million, with six months in arrears. The CDEEE and affiliates also held commercial debt for US$1.0 billion. He said in his first 75 days on the job, he had reduced sector expenses by RD$44.6 million a month, a 40% reduction compared to the former periods. Furthermore, he announced the state subsidy to the sector was reduced from US$65 million a month in August to US$23 million for this October, while at the same time covering 90% of commitments with generators.
Marranzini cited the fact that in August collections were RD$4.15 billion, for a 23.5% increase. He commented the country loses US$3.0 billion a year due to inefficiency in the sector.
More... (http://www.dr1.com/index.html#1)