The Independent Regulatory Commission (IRC) claims it is monitoring DOMLEC's capacity management program, and is addressing the load-shedding schedules while considering consumer rights

The Independent Regulatory Commission (IRC) has been monitoring DOMLEC’s capacity management program. Recently, the Dominica Electricity Services Company Ltd. (DOMLEC) implemented a series of load-shedding schedules in response to limitations in its current generating capacity.
 
Load shedding is a controlled and temporary measure implemented by utility companies with a capacity shortage that can assist with the management of electricity supply during periods of high demand, extreme heat conditions, and unexpected disruptions in the power system. While load shedding may be a necessary stop-gap intervention, at this time, the frequent prolonged disruption in electricity across the island continues to have a negative impact on households & businesses.
 
The Electricity Supply Act 2006, No. 10 of 2006 of the Commonwealth of Dominica, guides the IRC as it monitors DOMLEC's load-shedding activities to ensure compliance with established policies. In so doing, the IRC also aims to ensure that the rights of consumers are protected. In 2016, the IRC approved a 1.5-megawatt (MW) diesel generation plant for DOMLEC. The IRC claims that out of the 16.5 MW generation allowed, DOMLEC successfully implemented 1.5 MW generation in 2020. The IRC said in 2020, it also approved a generation license for a 10 MW geothermal plant for the Dominica Geothermal Development Company (DGDC) of Dominica. In 2022, in compliance with the National Energy Policy, the IRC awarded DOMLEC the project to develop a 5 MW solar plant at Tarrou. The IRC claims it is working with both DOMLEC and the Ministry with responsibility for Energy plans to fix the issues involving DOMLEC’s current capacity problems. Read More at: wiceq95da@gmail.com
The IRC says its consideration for approving added generation capacity must be aligned with the National Resilience Development Strategy (NRDS) and the National Energy Policy (NEP). The IRC and DOMLEC have started the electricity rate review process&any future purchase of diesel generators will negatively impact electricity rates for all customers.
 
The IRC is says it supports national efforts to find the most effective solution to the current crisis, with a strong preference for a sustainable resolution that would not put an unnecessary burden on rate payers. The IRC claims it is committed to ensuring that consumers in Dominica receive the highest quality of electricity at fair and affordable rates, while maintaining the financial viability of DOMLEC. The IRC says it is extremely concerned about the issues and challenges being faced by the utility, and is mobilized to support the collective effort to resolve the issue sooner rather than later.