27°C
Dominican Government Urges Energy Savings as Power Demand Reaches Record Levels
The Dominican Republic's Ministry of Energy and Mines is calling for more efficient electricity use after record-breaking power demand driven by extreme heat, while expanding mandatory energy-saving measures across public institutions.
The Dominican Energy Efficiency Plan is being reinforced as the country experiences unprecedented electricity demand during a period of extreme temperatures. Energy and Mines Minister Joel Santos urged government agencies, private companies and households to use electricity more responsibly in an effort to reduce pressure on the national power system.
Santos said the Ministry of Energy and Mines has already implemented mandatory conservation measures across public institutions through Resolution R-MEM-ADM-019-2026, which established the Government Energy Efficiency Plan. The initiative forms part of a broader strategy to encourage more efficient electricity consumption nationwide.
Mandatory Measures for Public Institutions
The resolution requires government entities to regulate the use of air conditioning systems, disconnect equipment when not in use, schedule high-energy activities outside peak demand hours and submit quarterly reports monitoring compliance with the energy-saving measures.
“We are promoting a comprehensive energy efficiency strategy across the government while working in coordination with the private sector,” Santos said.
Extreme Heat Pushes Electricity Demand to New Highs
The minister noted that the Dominican Republic recorded three consecutive all-time demand records during the past week and a total of six new records in July, culminating in a historic peak of 4,330 megawatts (MW).
According to the Dominican Institute of Meteorology (Indomet), heat index values reached between 43°C and 48°C (109°F–118°F) across Greater Santo Domingo and climbed as high as 50°C (122°F) in Santiago Rodríguez, significantly increasing the use of air conditioning and electricity consumption.
Practical Recommendations for Consumers
Santos emphasized that the goal is not to stop using air conditioning but to operate cooling systems more efficiently. He recommended setting air conditioners between 23°C and 24°C (73°F–75°F), turning off unnecessary lights and electrical devices, unplugging chargers when they are not in use, taking advantage of natural daylight and avoiding the simultaneous use of high-consumption appliances during peak hours.
Stable Grid but Growing Demand
Despite the recent surge in electricity consumption, Santos said the Dominican power system has remained stable thanks to sufficient generating capacity. During nighttime hours—when approximately 1,780 MW of solar generation is unavailable and demand reaches its highest levels—the country still has between 4,400 MW and 4,700 MW of available generation capacity.
The minister said the performance demonstrates the resilience of the national electricity system but argued that sustained growth in consumption makes energy efficiency increasingly important. He also renewed his call for Congress to approve the proposed Energy Efficiency Law, saying it would provide a modern legal framework to encourage efficient technologies and strengthen a long-term culture of energy conservation.
