# Public utility crisis and intensifying opposition criticism > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/public-utility-service-crisis-in-santo-domingo > Updated: 2026-09-07T03:27:27.000Z. Sources: 37. Developments: 4. Public utility services in Santo Domingo have faced significant disruptions involving electricity and water. Initial reports indicated the arrest of two contractors for extortion related to electrical work, alongside a major water service outage in Santo Domingo Este caused by a ruptured 48-inch pipe. Political leaders have intensified their criticism of the administration’s management. Leonel Fernández, president of the Fuerza del Pueblo party, has described the situation in Santo Domingo Este as a ‘perfect storm,’ citing prolonged power outages, a lack of potable water, and garbage accumulation. He specifically noted the contradiction of rising electricity bills occurring alongside increased blackouts, stating, ‘Now they charge us more to give us more blackouts.’ Former President Danilo Medina, leader of the PLD, has criticized the PRM government for being ‘too expensive’ for the Dominican people, citing rising public debt interest, increased public payroll, and inefficiencies in the electricity sector. Recent developments show an alignment in criticisms between the two former presidents. During events in Pedro Brand and Duvergé, Fernández and Medina both highlighted electricity losses, rising costs, and economic instability. In San Juan de la Maguana, Fernández further escalated his criticism, accusing administration members of attempting to act as ‘government and opposition at the same time’ to evade accountability for the electricity crisis. He characterized the state of the electrical system as a ‘total regression’ and highlighted a massive debt to power generators that has reached nearly $2 billion USD. Meanwhile, Miguel Vargas Maldonado of the PRD has called for ‘historical responsibility and unity’ among opposition forces as they look toward the 2028 elections. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-07: Leonel Fernández criticizes government response to electricity crisis Leonel Fernández criticized Dominican government officials for failing to resolve the national electricity crisis and highlighted a $2 billion debt to power generators. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/leonel-fernndez-criticizes-government-response-to-electricity-crisis ### 2026-08-28: Dominican ex-presidents Leonel Fernández and Danilo Medina align on national criticisms Former Dominican presidents Leonel Fernández and Danilo Medina have issued aligned criticisms of the PRM government, focusing on electricity shortages and the rising cost of living. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dominican-ex-presidents-leonel-fernndez-and-danilo-medina-align-on-national-criticisms ### 2026-08-23: Dominican opposition leaders criticize service failures and economic management Dominican opposition leaders Leonel Fernández and Danilo Medina criticize the government over power outages, water shortages, and rising living costs while the Fuerza del Pueblo expands its local presence. 30 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/leonel-fernndez-criticizes-service-failures-in-santo-domingo-este ### 2026-07-29: Santo Domingo utilities confront arrests over extortion and water service outage Edesur Dominicana reports police arrests of two Delmar brigade members for extortion, while CAASD battles a water pipe rupture by an ETED contractor that disrupted supply in Santo Domingo Este. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/santo-domingo-utilities-confront-arrests-over-extortion-and-water-service-outage --- Cite as: Public utility crisis and intensifying opposition criticism. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/public-utility-service-crisis-in-santo-domingo