The success of Dominica’s ongoing electricity Rate Review remains closely linked to the performance of the country’s geothermal energy project, according to Executive Director Justinn Kase.
Providing an update on the current state of the review, Kase explained that while revised tariffs are expected to result in lower customer bills, those reductions depend heavily on the geothermal facility achieving consistent and reliable commercial operation.
At present, the geothermal plant continues to undergo testing and commissioning activities. According to Kase, the facility has not yet achieved continuous operation, with generation periodically coming on and off the grid as engineers complete the necessary reliability and performance assessments.
“It comes on, it goes off, it comes on, it goes off,” Kase explained while describing the present testing phase. He noted that additional reliability and performance tests remain ongoing before full commercial operation can be achieved.
The Executive Director emphasized that these tests are essential to ensuring long-term system stability and minimizing the service disruptions experienced in recent months. Reliable geothermal generation is expected to provide greater energy security while reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels.
Kase indicated that both DOMLEC and the geothermal company continue to work on technical improvements designed to deliver a more robust and dependable electricity supply for consumers. Once the testing and commissioning process is completed, geothermal energy is expected to contribute significantly to lower electricity costs for customers through reduced fuel expenses.
The IRC says it will continue monitoring developments closely and will provide regular updates to the public as testing progresses and additional information becomes available.
As Dominica moves toward a greater reliance on renewable energy, the Commission believes that ensuring reliability remains just as important as achieving affordability.
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