Dominican tourism’s future hinges on robust power grid, says InterEnergy Group CEO

Santo Domingo.- Rolando González Bunster, president and CEO of InterEnergy Group, has highlighted the Dominican Republic’s vast tourism potential while warning that the sector’s stability is directly tied to a strong electrical system.

“Without a robust electrical energy system, the tourism industry, which generates thousands of jobs and contributes to the country’s growth, cannot exist,” González Bunster said. His comments were made during an interview with Moisés González of the digital newspaper and television program Despertar Nacional.

Dividing the electricity business is a ‘huge mistake’

González Bunster believes that dividing the electricity business into generation, transmission, and distribution has been “a huge folly,” as it prevents the efficient allocation of available resources.

“That is happening in this country at a rapid pace,” he stated months ago in comments to Hablemos de Turismo. He warned that unless the commercialization problem is solved, the power sector will be “a bottomless pit,” with negative effects on the competitiveness and sustainability of the tourism industry.

Focus on renewable energy

The InterEnergy Group CEO noted that his company has invested more than $1.5 billion in infrastructure and renewable energy projects, with a total of 42 solar parks in operation and under construction, which together generate 270 MWp.

He detailed that of this total, 24 are directly connected to hotels, solidifying the company’s position as a strategic ally of the tourism sector by offering sustainable and reliable energy solutions.

González Bunster also highlighted the company’s investments on Saona Island to benefit its residents, stating that they are not viewed as an “economic investment.” “Saona is emblematic for us because it demonstrates that it is possible to take isolated communities, islands, and make them 100% renewable,” he said.