Board of the Dominica Electricity Company Ltd (DOMLEC), Samuel Raphael told a press conference of the company held at its conference room in Fond Cole on May 7, 2026, that prices are “set to decrease for all consumers due to the introduction of Geothermal power, but in the immediate term, it is likely to fluctuate due to the global situation with oil prices.
The island’s lone electricity company has been under tremendous pressure from the Dominican consumers over the constant power failures.
Raphael explained that the specific reduction will differ depending on consumption.
“Smaller consumers can expect up to 17% reduction in their electricity costs, while small business owners may see a 12% reduction, while larger businesses would see a 10% reduction,” he said.
“If you pay $100 a month as a small consumer, you will see a savings of 17 dollars paying 83 dollars.”
However, he was quick to point out that, due to the rising trend in oil prices due to America’s war with Iran and resulting fallout, the prices are likely to fluctuate in the short to midterm but as prices are expected to stabilize over time, then the reduction from the introduction of Geothermal power is likely to drive prices down.
“The geothermal plant has been operating for about one month now and provides 10MW (megawatt) of energy to the supply grid…I am excited, both as a business owner and as someone in the eco-tourism industry, in the improvement in green energy production to the tune of 75% of total supply when combined with the hydro-powerplant production,” he stated.
“This still means that currently 25% of supply comes from reliance on diesel, which leaves the market vulnerable to global fossil fuel prices.”
He also “apologized” on before of the DOMLEC Board for which he is part of for the many “unscheduled power outages.”
“I want to apologize to you, the consumers of electricity, yes, you expect better, you want answers, and I am not here to sugarcoat the situation. I am also not going to be making excuses, but will be blunt and say, we are deeply sorry for all the inconveniences,” Raphael remarked.
This was the first-ever meeting with the press in almost two years, since the company’s new manager, Dwayne Cenac, assumed the managerial post.