News break at 3:00 PM
SANTO DOMINGO – The blackout that occurred on the morning of February 23, 2026, was not simply an isolated technical failure. The event exposed structural vulnerabilities in the Dominican energy system and had immediate impacts on public services, urban mobility, official activities, and public perception of the government's management of the electricity sector.
While authorities continue the process of stabilizing the system, the country awaits a definitive technical report that will accurately determine the causes of the incident and establish corrective measures in the medium and long term.
What happened
From approximately 11:00 a.m., the National Interconnected Electric System (SENI) registered a major failure that caused a massive interruption of the electricity supply in large areas of the country.
The affected provinces include Santo Domingo, Santiago, Peravia, San Francisco de Macorís, Dajabón, and El Seibo.
Preliminary official data indicate that the level of electricity generation was reduced to critical levels during the incident, with a drop of more than 60% compared to the scheduled energy.
Cases under investigation
The blackout has been preliminarily attributed to a major technical failure within the National Interconnected System (SENI). A possible incident on the Hainamosa–Villa Duarte network is being investigated, although no conclusive technical report has yet been published.
This episode occurs just over three months after the general blackout recorded in November 2025, which reignites questions about the stability and resilience of the national electricity system.
Consequences for civic life
Service interruptions
Traffic lights were reported out of service and traffic congestion in various parts of the country, particularly in Santiago de los Caballeros, which complicated urban mobility for several hours.
The Santo Domingo Metro and the Santo Domingo Cable Car experienced temporary interruptions, although they later restored operations using backup power systems.
Impact on official activities
A press conference called by the National Police was cancelled due to a lack of electricity supply at its facilities, highlighting the immediate effect of the blackout on the institutional agenda.
Political reactions
Organizations such as the Broad Front described the event as a warning sign about the structural situation of the energy system and questioned the planning and maintenance of the electrical infrastructure.
Measures adopted
Activation of technical protocols
The Dominican Electricity Transmission Company (ETED) reported that it activated emergency protocols and coordinated with the Coordinating Body and the generating and distribution companies to achieve a progressive and safe restoration of service.
Reinforcement of public security
The National Police have ordered an increase in preventive patrols in commercial areas and sectors of high concentration, as a preventive measure against possible incidents during the power outage.
Progressive restoration
Transportation authorities confirmed that mass transit systems are operating normally after brief interruptions, using backup power while the system was being stabilized.
A debate reignited
This is the second general blackout in just over three months, which has intensified the debate about the maintenance and modernization capacity of the SENI.
Political and social sectors have requested greater transparency in the publication of the technical report and a structural plan that guarantees greater stability and risk reduction in the national electricity system.
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