OPEC to fund latest Dominican grid call

The OPEC Fund for International Development will finance a new package of works under a Dominican Republic government program to modernize the power distribution grid and reduce losses.

State power holding company CDEEE seeks firms to overhaul networks and improve metering in areas served by distributors Edeeste, Edenorte and Edesur.

Nine lots are on offer with execution times ranging from 10 to 17 months, according to bidding information.

Registration runs through December 10 when an information meeting is scheduled with bids due January 18.

CDEEE also received proposals from 13 companies for a similar call issued in September. Names were not disclosed.

One of the sector's principal problems is the distributors' financial deficit, which stems from energy losses. A recent survey revealed that only 59.6% of Dominican homes had a meter.

Information from local power industry association Adie reveals that CDEEE and distributors owe power generators a little over US$300mn.

Power consumption in the country is forecast to grow 2.4% in 2016-19, according to grid operator OC.

CDEEE also has bidding underway to provide O&M for the Punta Catalina thermoelectric project.