ADOSEA and ADIE advocate for fairer solar panel regulations in the Dominican Republic

Santo Domingo.- The Dominican Association of Isolated Electrical Systems (ADOSEA) and the Dominican Association of the Electrical Industry (ADIE) have proposed updates to solar panel regulations in the Dominican Republic. They argue for a system where all users, with or without solar panels, contribute equitably to maintaining and developing the national electrical grid, ensuring a more balanced and reliable system.

Carlos Rodríguez, president of ADOSEA, emphasized the need to update the 13-year-old regulatory framework to reflect the country’s current energy landscape. Drawing parallels to reforms in nations like Chile, Costa Rica, and Spain, Rodríguez highlighted the importance of fostering renewable energy while ensuring fairness for the broader population. Currently, only 17,725 people use solar panels compared to three million without access. He advocates transitioning from net metering to net billing to enhance fairness and system reliability.

Manuel Cabral, executive vice president of ADIE, noted the significant growth of renewable energy, which now accounts for 20% of the national grid. This expansion aligns with international commitments, with projections of reaching over 2,500 megawatts of non-conventional renewable energy by 2025. Cabral underscored that regulation updates should balance the interests of all stakeholders while maintaining the reliability of the Dominican electrical system. Both associations agree on the need for fairer compensation mechanisms to avoid disadvantaging any group.