SANTO DOMINGO.– The Economy, Planning and Development minister today hailed the decision to seek funds to install meters in the 1.6 million homes which don’t pay for electricity, but called the sector a "dog neutering" business.

Temístocles Montas said one of the electrical system’s main problems is that of all the energy placed on the grid only half is paid for.

"This is a dog neutering business because you place two and charge one and as such it’s impossible to confront the problem," the official said in reference to the popular belief of a man who buys dogs, neuters them and sells them for less.

He said it’s been long known that the electrical problem won’t be solved unless investments are made in the distribution area. "There’s talk of at least of 150 million dollars per year, I believe that this initiative with the Inter-American Development Bank is correct because those 150 million dollars would be first which would be required to start the effort to transform the system."

Interviewed in the program Diario Libre A.M., Montas said in addition to the meters, other solutions include shielding the main lines as a way to prevent illegal hookups to the wires.

He said another problem is that the bill has never reflected the cost of the service. "No business in the world works by selling the product below what it cost to produce.”