The Government plans to increase the firm installed capacity of the electrical system by more than 50% in the coming years to respond to the growth of tourism, industry, commerce and services
SANTO DOMINGO– The sustained growth of the Dominican economy is increasing the pressure on the national electricity system. Faced with energy demand expected to reach record levels this year, the government projects increasing the country's firm installed capacity by more than 50% between 2025 and 2028, an expansion that, according to authorities, will be one of the most significant in recent decades.
The information was released last Monday during the participation of the Minister of Energy and Mines, Joel Santos, in the Energy Summit 2026 Market, where he presented the government's vision to guarantee the energy supply that the country will require during the next few years.
An economy that consumes more energy
According to the data presented, peak electricity demand will reach 4,250 megawatts (MW) this year, compared to 2,681 MW in 2019.
The increase, close to 59%, reflects the expansion of sectors such as tourism, industry, commerce, logistics and services, activities that have driven Dominican economic growth in recent years.
As Santos explained, each new productive investment requires an energy infrastructure capable of reliably responding to market needs, which is why sector planning must anticipate future demand.
Renewables are gaining ground in the energy mix
Authorities highlighted that the national electricity system currently has about 2,000 MW of renewable energy in operation, while another 1,000 MW are in different stages of development and are expected to become operational before 2028.
The government strategy envisions a combination of renewable sources, natural gas, and energy storage systems, with the aim of diversifying the energy mix, increasing the resilience of the system, and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
Energy, competitiveness and investment
During his speech, the minister argued that energy availability has become one of the main factors in maintaining the country's competitiveness and attracting new investments.
In that regard, he noted that the Government is working on expanding the energy infrastructure and modernizing the regulatory framework through initiatives such as the implementation of the Energy Efficiency Law and the updating of the General Electricity Law.
Authorities believe that strengthening the electrical system will be key to sustaining the pace of economic growth in the coming years and supporting the expansion of strategic sectors of the national economy.
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