BTN News: The newly appointed Minister of Energy and Mines, Joel Santos, has taken office at a time when the Dominican Republic is grappling with a significant energy crisis, marked by frequent and prolonged power outages. Since assuming his role on August 15, Santos has been at the forefront of addressing public concerns, particularly as the country experiences a surge in energy demand, which has put immense pressure on the nation’s electric grid.
A Surge in Energy Demand: The Root of the Problem
The Dominican Republic has witnessed an unprecedented increase in electricity consumption, particularly during the hot summer months. In August 2024, the maximum demand on the National Interconnected Electrical System (SENI) reached 3,690.65 megawatts, a notable 7.8% increase compared to the same period in 2023, when the demand was 3,422.69 megawatts. This surge in demand has strained the country’s aging infrastructure, leading to widespread power outages that have affected businesses and households alike.
Minister Santos has attributed these outages not to a lack of energy production but to limitations in the distribution and circuit capacity. He emphasized that while there is sufficient energy available, the current infrastructure is inadequate to handle the growing demand. “Our priority is to enhance the capacity of our circuits and improve service delivery to our customers,” Santos stated, acknowledging the government’s responsibility to address these issues promptly.
Strategic Plans for Infrastructure Improvement
In response to the ongoing crisis, Santos has outlined a comprehensive plan aimed at modernizing the country’s energy infrastructure over the coming years. This plan includes the acquisition of new transformers to replace non-operational ones, a move that is expected to alleviate some of the immediate pressure on the grid. The minister highlighted that these transformers are crucial for improving the reliability of power distribution, particularly in regions served by Empresa Distribuidora del Sur (Edesur), which has been identified as being in a critical state by Celso Marranzini, President of the Unified Council of Electricity Distribution Companies (CUED).
The government’s strategy is not just a short-term fix but part of a broader effort to ensure the sustainable development of the nation’s energy sector. Santos has reassured the public that, although the improvements will take time, the changes will be noticeable gradually as the plan is implemented.
Challenges and Responsibilities: A Broad Mandate
Joel Santos has stepped into his role as Minister of Energy and Mines during a particularly challenging period. His responsibilities extend beyond just managing the electrical sector; he is also tasked with overseeing renewable energy, nuclear energy, natural gas, and the country’s mining industry. The ministry’s mandate is to develop and administer policies that promote responsible and sustainable growth in these sectors, ensuring national energy security.
Santos’s immediate focus, however, is on resolving the current power outage crisis. He has acknowledged that the situation requires urgent attention and has called for public patience as the government works to address the underlying issues. “We are aware that our responsibility is to provide solutions to the population’s concerns, and we are committed to doing so,” Santos affirmed.
Moving Forward: A Call for Patience and Cooperation
As the Dominican Republic navigates through this energy crisis, the government’s efforts to improve the situation are becoming increasingly visible. However, Minister Santos has cautioned that the road to a fully stable and efficient energy system will require time and continued investment. He has urged the public to remain patient as the ministry implements its plans, assuring them that the improvements will lead to a more reliable energy supply in the long term.
The electricity crisis in the Dominican Republic highlights the critical need for infrastructure investment and modernization in the face of growing energy demands. With Joel Santos at the helm of the Ministry of Energy and Mines, the government is taking steps to address these challenges, aiming to ensure that the nation’s energy future is both secure and sustainable.
This comprehensive approach reflects the ministry’s broader commitment to energy security and sustainability, ensuring that the Dominican Republic can meet its growing energy needs in the years to come.
