Prime Minister Skerrit Addresses Ongoing DOMLEC Load Shedding Crisis in Dominica
Dominica is facing a severe load-shedding crisis due to a generation capacity shortfall, and the authorities are taking swift action to alleviate the situation. Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has announced significant measures to restore consistent and reliable electricity supply to the nation.
One key development is the government’s decision to lease a 5.2-megawatt generator to Dominica’s sole electricity provider, the Dominica Electricity Services (DOMLEC). This generator, originally intended for the international airport project, will now serve as backup generation capacity for DOMLEC. By advancing the purchase of this generator, the government aims to bolster DOMLEC’s capacity and hasten the resolution of the load shedding issue.
Prime Minister Skerrit addressed the concern that acquiring additional generators would lead to higher costs for consumers, as advised by both DOMLEC and the Independent Regulatory Commission (IRC). To shield Dominican consumers from potential price hikes, the government is in the process of procuring the 5.2MW medium-speed generator for lease to DOMLEC under favorable terms. Initially, this generator is expected to remain in service for two years, with a projected commissioning date in April 2024.
In addition to this initiative, Dominica is set to receive technical assistance from a team of five Venezuelan hydro technicians, scheduled to begin work at the hydro plant in early October. These measures are expected to bring improvements in the widespread load shedding experienced across the island. DOMLEC has assured the government of a noticeable enhancement in service delivery by mid-October 2023.
To further address the load shedding crisis, DOMLEC will rent a 3MW generating system from Aggreko, a US-based generator rental firm. This unit is scheduled for commissioning on November 15, 2023, with the anticipation of restoring full capacity and eliminating load shedding.
Prime Minister Skerrit emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting electricity generation and ensuring a stable power supply without burdening consumers with increased costs. By pursuing these measures, Dominica aims to overcome the current energy challenge, provide relief to its citizens, and ensure economic stability during these trying times.
As the Government works collaboratively with DOMLEC, these short to medium-term solutions offer hope for a rapid resolution to the load-shedding crisis. With the government’s dedication to finding solutions and the active involvement of various stakeholders, including technical experts, the nation looks forward to a return to normalcy in its electricity supply within a few short months.
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