Power Sector Technical Assistance Project

closed

The Power Sector Technical Assistance (TA) Project for the Dominican Republic aims to: 1) strengthen the Government's regulatory and consumer protection performance, 2) improve policy formulation and implementation, 3) design the transmission grid and the wholesale power market, 4) increase the quantity and quality o f electricity for the poor, and 5) protect the environment. There are five main components added to which is a project management component. Component 1 reviews and corrects problems with the regulatory system and the institutional structure, and strengthens the Electricity Superintendency (SIE) and the Consumer Protection Office (PROTECOM). Component 2 (i) promotes a national dialogue to achieve a consensus on required reforms and the participation of the private sector; (ii) strengthens the National Energy Commission (CNE); (iii) funds public consultation processes; and (iv) improves the management of Government interests as shareholder in power sector enterprises through the Fondo Patrimonial (FONPER). Component 3 improves system reliability and increases competition in the wholesale power market by supporting business plan creation, installing training programs, identifying alternatives for private sector participation, establishing a transmission expansion plan, and reviewing the methodology used for setting transmission charges. Component 4 improves rural electrification programs and the Blackout Reduction Program in urban barrios. Component 5 supports the preparation of sectoral environmental documents.