SANTO DOMINGO – In a significant push to combat energy theft and improve system reliability, the Eastern Electricity Distribution Company (Edeeste) has announced the normalization of service for 20,950 customers and the elimination of 2,888 illegal direct connections within its service area during January.
The utility’s Loss Management Directorate was central to this effort, executing a sweeping operational campaign that included 34,524 technical and commercial inspections. These targeted actions were designed to regularize power supplies and reclaim lost energy, forming a core part of Edeeste’s broader strategy to enhance the integrity of its distribution network.
Complementing these internal efforts, the company also successfully normalized service for an additional 1,635 customers through mini-projects funded with support from international cooperation organizations.
The comprehensive January initiative significantly bolstered the technical and commercial oversight of the entire distribution system. Key activities addressed a spectrum of irregularities, from the elimination of sub-metering (under-registration of consumption) to the direct correction of unauthorized power supplies.
The crackdown also saw a robust legal response, with 7,057 formal reports of irregularities filed. This procedural step was crucial for strengthening the legal foundation required to correct consumption patterns and recover revenue from unregistered energy use.
The operational blitz yielded substantial financial and operational benefits. Edeeste estimates that the inspections facilitated the recovery of 593,232 kWh of energy, a critical gain that directly supports the company’s financial sustainability and its ability to invest in reliable service.
Reiterating its commitment to operational efficiency and legality, Edeeste emphasized that these actions are fundamental to providing a reliable and equitable electricity service for all its users. The company issued a public appeal, urging communities to shun illegal connections, which jeopardize system stability, pose serious public safety risks, and hinder national development.
Looking ahead, Edeeste pledged to continue its collaborative work with government authorities, community leaders, and consumers to foster a culture of responsible energy consumption, legal connections, and efficiency—cornerstones of a modern and sustainable electrical system for the Dominican Republic.