Pedro Santana Electrification Reaches 111 Homes and Two Schools

More than RD$63.3 million has been invested in electrification projects serving eight hard-to-reach communities in Pedro Santana, a municipality in the southwestern Dominican province of Elías Piña. The projects connected 111 homes and two schools to electricity through solar photovoltaic systems equipped with energy storage.

The work was carried out by the Ministry of Energy and Mines through its Rural and Suburban Electrification Directorate (DERS), with support from the ministries of the Presidency and Finance and Economy, as well as Guakía Ambiente and the Dominican Institute of Integral Development (IDDI).

Solar Microgrids Expand Access to Electricity

The projects cover Rancho Tomás, Rancho Valdés, Pequero, Rincón, Valentín, Guayabal, Bartolo and Botoncillo, communities where difficult terrain has complicated access to conventional electricity infrastructure.

In Rancho Tomás, Rancho Valdés and Pequero, the government built solar microgrids with a combined installed capacity of 46 kilowatts peak (kWp), along with energy storage systems. Internal electrical installations were also completed in 53 homes, representing an investment of RD$31,377,397.

A separate group of projects covering Valentín, Guayabal, Bartolo and Botoncillo, as well as the second phase of work in Rincón, includes storage systems with a capacity of 179.4 kilowatt-hours (kWh). Those installations brought electricity to another 58 homes and two schools through an investment of RD$32 million.

The use of solar microgrids allows isolated communities to receive electricity without relying on the extension of conventional distribution networks. In this case, the systems combine photovoltaic generation with storage to provide power in areas that are difficult to reach through traditional infrastructure.

More Electrification Projects Planned for Elías Piña

Energy and Mines Minister Joel Santos said the government plans to begin additional electrification projects elsewhere in Elías Piña during 2026, with an estimated investment of RD$46.3 million.

The planned work includes grid extensions in Cañada Barrero and La Tinaja, along with the rehabilitation and expansion of networks in Pinzón. New solar systems are also planned for La Sierrecita, Patricio, Francisco José, La Nasa and La Llanadita.

Authorities are also conducting assessments for 12 additional electrification projects in communities around Comendador, including Carrizal, Los Cerros de Potroso, Potro Blanco, La Herradura, La Viejaca, Majuana and El Charco Colorado.

Santos said the electricity projects are intended to improve opportunities for families in rural areas. During the inauguration, he pointed to practical uses such as refrigeration, nighttime study and the operation of household appliances and small businesses.

Public Lighting Also Expanded

The government also delivered 80 LED streetlights rated at 200 watts for installation in Río Limpio, Comendador and Guayabo. The distribution includes 20 lights for Río Limpio, 40 for Comendador and 20 for Guayabo.

With the latest delivery, the Ministry of Energy and Mines has provided 180 streetlights to authorities in Elías Piña during 2026, according to the information released at the event.

Representatives of Guakía Ambiente and IDDI highlighted the participation of local residents in the projects, while Elías Piña Senator Johnson Encarnación and community leaders said they would support the maintenance of the new electrical installations.

The projects extend basic energy infrastructure into some of the province’s most remote communities while the government prepares additional work in other parts of Elías Piña. The planned investments will determine the next stage of rural electrification in the province during 2026.