Curtailed renewables cost the Dominican RepublicCEFR A2
1 Feb 2026
Adapted from Guest Contributor, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by Teah Rushing, Unsplash
A coordinating report shows renewable companies lost about USD 5.17 million between January and June 2025 because the system curtailed some solar generation. Curtailment means stopping or limiting renewable production even when plants can produce more.
As a result, state distribution companies bought more expensive fossil electricity and costs rose. Forced dispatch also pays some thermal plants when the system does not need their energy. Lack of modern networks and insufficient storage make it harder to use all renewable power.
Law 80-24 set aside funds for network programs, and experts say storing energy would help connect more solar power safely to the grid.
Difficult words
- curtail — To stop or reduce production or activity.curtailed
- forced dispatch — Making plants produce or send power anyway.
- thermal plant — Power station that uses fossil fuel to produce electricity.thermal plants
- storage — Keeping energy for use at a later time.
- distribution company — Company that delivers electricity to homes and businesses.state distribution companies
- network — System of lines that carry electricity to users.networks
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Do you think storing energy is important for more solar power? Why?
- Have you seen solar panels in your area? How are they used?
- How would better networks help use more renewable electricity?
Related articles
January 2025 Los Angeles wildfires and the rise in virtual health visits
A study of 3.7 million Kaiser Permanente members found that the January 2025 Los Angeles wildfires caused large increases in virtual care, especially for respiratory and cardiovascular symptoms, and raised other outpatient visits.
Logging and illegal timber threaten Cameroon's forests
Cameroon's forests face growing pressure from both legal and illegal logging, plus expanding agriculture and timber trafficking. Exports have shifted from Europe to Asia, enforcement is weak, and the situation harms biodiversity, communities and state revenues.
How AI and Automation Are Changing Land Use in Brazil
Research shows artificial intelligence, automation and digital tools are reshaping land use in Brazil. The study finds that the digitalised agribusiness model displaces communities, erases traditional knowledge and calls for transparency, justice and cooperative approaches.