Public trust fund proposed to tackle energy losses

Santo Domingo.- The Energy Institute of the Autonomous University of Santo Domingo (UASD) has proposed the creation of a public trust fund to tackle energy losses affecting the distribution company Edeeste. The initiative was presented during the panel “Energy Loss Management in the Dominican Republic” organized by the Faculty of Engineering and Architecture.

Dean Omar Segura Alcántara explained that electricity fraud and non-payment have created a structural financial deficit covered by state subsidies, which limits investment and perpetuates inefficiency. He stressed that reducing losses is key to achieving a sustainable, competitive, and socially fair electricity system. The proposed trust would guarantee transparency, continuity beyond political changes, and access to international financing, while promoting pay-for-results contracts to incentivize efficiency.

The scheme would initially be implemented in the Eastern region, excluding Edenorte and Edesur. José Luis Moreno San Juan, also from the UASD Energy Institute, warned that most revenues go to generators—73% of collections—leaving little for distributors to manage operations.