RD$23 million paid back to electricity consumers in April

Consumers continue to receive huge sums of money back from the electricity distribution companies in compensation for overcharging and other errors. In April, EDESUR was showered with complaints, which were made at the offices of the Department of Consumer Protection (PROTECOM), located in most major cities. 

Nearly RD$23 million was returned to customers in April. EDESUR was the worst offender, paying back over RD$16million while Edenorte returned over RD$3million and EdeEste gave back over RD$2 million

Law 125-01 provides that distributors are required to make compensation to consumers who prove cases of overcharging, incorrect tariffs or wrongful disconnection. From August 2004 to April 2010, the total paid back under this scheme is more than RD$965 million.

Meanwhile, in what seems like a counterattack from Celso Marranzini, vice president of the Dominican Corporation of State Electrical Companies (CDEEE), he has reiterated his insistence that anyone stealing electricity will meet with the full force of the law.
In a recent interview, he alleged that employees and technicians and former employees were complicit in many cases of electricity theft.
"Fraud is being committed in combination with former employees, electrical technicians, with companies hired by the distributors, or in combination with employees of the distributors," said Marranzini.
He warned that officials, employees of  CDEEE, or contractors of the distribution companies who are caught in fraud, will be brought to justice.
He added that the 15 000 employees of the CDEEE, distributors and electric transmission companies will have to show that they are paying  for their supply.