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What caused the blackout in Santo Domingo?
The blackout originated from a failure at the San Pedro I substation, which led to a cascade of failures across the grid. Officials have blamed a transmission system failure, where some units shut down unexpectedly, causing widespread outages. The country's reliance on aging infrastructure and fossil fuels has contributed to these vulnerabilities.
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How are authorities restoring power?
Authorities are gradually restoring power by reconnecting hydroelectric and thermal plants to stabilize the grid. Priority is being given to critical sectors like hospitals, transit systems, and emergency services. The process involves technical repairs and system checks to prevent further failures.
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Which sectors are most affected by the outage?
The outage has severely impacted hospitals, transportation, businesses, and government services in Santo Domingo. Many hospitals faced disruptions, and public transit systems were halted, affecting daily life and economic activities across the capital.
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Is this blackout a sign of bigger infrastructure problems?
Yes, the outage highlights ongoing issues with aging infrastructure and dependence on fossil fuels. Experts suggest that such failures may become more frequent unless significant upgrades and investments are made in the country's energy systems.
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What is being done to prevent future outages?
The government and energy authorities are investigating the cause of the failure and working on infrastructure improvements. Plans include modernizing the grid, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and increasing renewable energy sources to build a more resilient system.