Rising electricity costs impact consumers in Dominican Republic and United States

Consumers in the Dominican Republic and the United States are facing rising electricity costs, though the drivers and regulatory environments differ significantly between the two regions.

In the Dominican Republic, opposition lawmakers are questioning state utility managers as households report sharply higher bills despite government denials of tariff increases. Critics point to systemic inefficiencies, including distribution losses that have risen from 27% in 2019 to nearly 40% nationwide. Additionally, government subsidies for the electrical sector have surged from approximately US$500 million in 2019 to between US$1.7 billion and US$1.8 billion currently. Lawmakers have also raised concerns regarding expanded payrolls at state-owned distributors and the difficulty consumers face when attempting to resolve disputes through the Consumer Protection Office.

In the United States, specifically in Tulsa, Oklahoma, residents are struggling with escalating power costs exacerbated by intense summer heat. While the Public Service Company of Oklahoma recently settled for a 1% rate increase instead of a requested 15%, bills remain high due to extreme temperatures. Data from the U.S. Energy Department indicates that PSO disconnects customers at more than five times the national average rate. Local nonprofits, such as the Helping Hand Ministry, are providing weekly financial assistance to prevent disconnections, as thousands of residents face the choice between utilities and other essential needs.