SANTO DOMINGO.- Despite the fact that 60% of its energy is generated with fuel oil and diesel which makes Dominican Republic’s power park obsolete, or that a small percent of the power is hydroelectric, Dominicans can expect a bright Christmas.

State-owned power companies (CDEEE) vice president Celso Marranzini yesterday said on December 2008, 36.7% of the installed megawatt capacity, of 1,153.7 MW, worked with oil fuel #6. With oil fuel #2, the installed capacity is 466.4 MW and 313.6 MW with 2 and 6.

He noted that those are the most expensive fuels, whereas the installed capacity with the cheaper natural gas is 555 MW with 17.6% of the market; coal with 313.6 MW, or 10% and hydro with 472.3 MW, or 15%.

However Marranzini said the funds from foreign loans should lower debt with the power companies in the next few days. “Things are changing in the electrical system,” reiterating that the energy deficit will be lower for the holidays.

To back his claim, the official cited the imminent entrance of the generator San Felipe, in Puerto Plata, with 185 MW and one AES Los Mina with 100 MW and the other Los Mina unit, with 100 MW for December.