Curtailed renewables cost the Dominican RepublicCEFR B1
1 Feb 2026
Adapted from Guest Contributor, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by Teah Rushing, Unsplash
The Coordinating Body of the National Interconnected Electric System (OC) reports that renewable companies lost around USD 5.17 million between January and June 2025 because the system curtailed some solar generation. In May the report shows curtailed renewable energy reached 16,171 megawatt-hours (MWh), an average near one fifth of total energy, and January showed even larger average losses.
State-owned distribution companies (Edenorte, Edesur and Edeeste) recorded operating cost overruns by buying more expensive fossil energy. The marginal cost on the spot market rose, which improved revenues for many thermal plants that sell on that market. Forced dispatch also increases payments to inflexible thermal plants that must stay online for technical reasons.
Lack of modern networks and insufficient storage are key causes of curtailment. The report and experts recommend more network investment and energy storage to allow photovoltaic plants to enter the system safely.
Difficult words
- curtailment — reduction in the amount of energy produced
- marginal cost — extra cost to produce one more unit
- spot market — market where energy is bought and sold immediately
- thermal plant — power station that burns fossil fuel for electricitythermal plants
- photovoltaic plant — power station using solar panels to make electricityphotovoltaic plants
- storage — systems that keep energy for later use
- dispatch — order to run power plants or equipmentForced dispatch
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How would more energy storage help reduce curtailment of solar generation in your own words?
- Do you think investing in network infrastructure is important for renewable energy in your country? Why or why not?
- What are the possible effects of keeping inflexible thermal plants online for technical reasons?
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