Joel Santos assumes CUED presidency to lead Dominican electric sector

Joel Santos, the Minister of Energy and Mines, has assumed the presidency of the Unified Council of Electricity Distribution Companies (CUED). Santos will hold this position alongside his ministerial duties, aiming to unify strategic leadership, improve service quality, and modernize distribution networks through measurable performance indicators for Edenorte, Edesur, and EDE Este.

This leadership transition follows a period where energy losses in distribution companies increased from 36% in late 2023 to 38.9% by May 2026. The previous administration under Celso Marranzini saw a decrease in investment, which contributed to these rising losses.

Simultaneously, several infrastructure projects are underway. Edeeste has completed the repowering of the Quisqueya substation in San Pedro de Macorís with an investment of approximately RD$14.7 million, increasing capacity by 40% to benefit over 4,500 families. Additionally, Edesur has launched a RD$70.3 million modernization program in San José de Ocoa to reduce energy theft and improve network security. Separately, the energy group TDC is celebrating 28 years of operations with a new institutional image focused on fuel management and environmental responsibility.