[REVISION HISTORY]

Latin America power outages and grid upgrades

Updated 9 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-09-14 17:11 UTC → 2026-09-21 01:42 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Heavy rains, extreme heat, and aging infrastructure continue to strain electricity systems across Latin America. In the Dominican Republic, modernization efforts persist. EDESTE recently completed a repowering of the Los Mina substation in Santo Domingo Este, which residents report has reduced the frequency of blackouts. However, critics note that systemic issues like outdated distribution networks and high technical losses remain. EDEESTE has launched a RD$843 million project to modernize electrical networks in Capotillo, Distrito Nacional, scheduled for completion in December 2027. This 16-month initiative involves installing hundreds of poles, transformers, and lights to stabilize the grid and formalize over 18,000 users. Additionally, EDEESTE completed an intervention at the Quisqueya substation, installing a new 5 MVA transformer that increased capacity by 40 percent, benefiting approximately 4,544 families. As part of a RD$515 million expansion program, the company has also received the first three of 12 planned power transformers, which will be installed in Boca Chica, Villa Consuelo, and El Brisal during September and October to improve load distribution. ETED has continued maintenance of the National Interconnected Electric System ~~(SENI), including scheduled preventive maintenance and structure replacements.~~ (SENI). In September 2026, ETED rescheduled ~~planned~~ maintenance on a 69,000-volt transmission line connecting Boca Chica with San Pedro de ~~Macorís. This rescheduling prevented~~ Macorís, preventing anticipated water service interruptions in more than 25 sectors of Santo Domingo ~~Este, as~~ Este. ETED is also adjusting 138 kV transmission lines to facilitate the ~~CAASD had previously warned that~~ construction of the ~~electrical works would cause~~ Navarrete Bypass, including the diversion of the Puerto Plata II–El Naranjo line. Furthermore, a ~~temporary shutdown~~ 1.4-kilometer interconnection of the ~~La Joya~~ Montecristi Solar–Guanillo line is under construction to protect service in Puerto Plata and ~~Los Marenos well fields.~~ the Northwest Line. In the distribution sector, Edesur has initiated a plan to replace distribution transformers across 10 jurisdictions, including San Cristóbal, Santo Domingo, and the Distrito Nacional. In Colombia, Air-e Intervenida installed a new 12.5 MVA transformer at the Termoguajira substation in Dibulla, increasing capacity by approximately 60% to support local tourism and economic growth. Grid instability remains a major issue in Mexico and Venezuela, where technical failures and chronic instability persist. Dibulla.

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