Dominica’s energy landscape is in turmoil, grappling with a critical issue as Dominica Electricity Services Limited (DOMLEC) contends with a dislodged Trafalgar pipeline. This unexpected problem struck one Friday morning, adding to the ongoing power challenges that have become frustratingly routine on the island, euphemistically referred to as “load shedding.”
DOMLEC’s Generation Manager, Kurt Savarin, is leading the charge to address the pipeline disruption, aiming for repairs to conclude within the week. However, it’s important to note that these repairs are temporary, allowing water flow while preparing for permanent solutions without further interruptions.
But DOMLEC’s energy woes extend beyond a dislodged pipeline. The company is mired in a complex quagmire of issues, including insufficient power generation capacity, an aging diesel generation fleet, and heavy reliance on equipment that has served them for 37 years, leading the company to the brink of crisis.
Currently, DOMLEC operates at around 50% of its hydro capacity. With the loss of Trafalgar and Padu facilities, their hydro capacity drops to slightly over 11%. To compound these woes, two generation units recently went offline, intensifying the chaos. Savarin revealed the intricate challenges they face and the efforts to expedite restoration, particularly for the unit at Fond Cole. One of the older units at Fond Cole suffered substantial damage, with preliminary assessments indicating extensive rehabilitation is necessary for revival.
Recognizing the gravity of these crises and their far-reaching implications, DOMLEC sought external support. A generation consultant from St. Lucia and a technical team from Venezuela responded. Their comprehensive evaluation extended beyond generation, inspecting transmission systems and dispatch processes. Their recommendations are expected early this week.
While DOMLEC’s in-house engineers diligently work on seamless connections for over two megawatts of identified generation units to the grid, plans to lease two megawatts of generation capacity are progressing. The procurement of new generators is also underway. General Manager Bertilia McKenzie, aware of customer frustration, offered a heartfelt apology. She pledged unwavering commitment to restoring DOMLEC’s reliability and promised comprehensive details on these initiatives by midweek.
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