A look at the tangible benefits realised from Dominica's national investment in geothermal energy.
At Dominica Electricity Services Limited (DOMLEC), we recognise the frustration customers have experienced due to the unplanned outages that have occurred during the commissioning and testing phase of the geothermal plant in Laudat. We sincerely thank the public for its patience as Dominica undertakes one of the most significant energy transitions in its history.
Despite the challenges presented during this critical testing period, geothermal energy is already delivering tangible benefits to customers. In April 2026, renewable energy penetration reached 51%, with 26% of electricity generation coming from geothermal energy and 25% from hydro resources. This reduced the island's dependence on diesel generation from an average of 75% to 49%.
These gains are particularly important at a time when global fuel prices continue to rise sharply. DOMLEC began 2026 with a fuel surcharge of $0.3198/kWh, which increased in the months to follow, with the dramatic climb of global fuel costs. By April, the cost of fuel to DOMLEC increased to almost $15 per gallon, from $9 at the start of the year. With the injection of geothermal power to the national grid, by May the fuel surcharge decreased from $0.4953/kWh to $0.4627/kWh.
Without geothermal energy, customers would have faced a significantly higher surcharge of $0.6506/kWh. During the commissioning and testing phase, power is purchased at a discounted rate, however, from the Commercial Operating Date (COD), power will be purchased at the commercial rate. If the cost of geothermal was calculated at the commercial rate for the current period; at $0.5309 it would still be lower than if there were no contribution from geothermal.
These figures clearly demonstrate a trajectory of long-term value from geothermal energy to Dominica. As geothermal generation increases and reliance on diesel decreases, customers can expect greater price stability, reduced exposure to volatile fuel markets, and a more reliable electricity system.
Geothermal energy is an indigenous resource, a source of national pride, and a major step toward the Government of Dominica's goal of achieving 100% renewable energy by 2030. DOMLEC remains committed to working through the challenges of this transition phase to deliver a cleaner, more sustainable, and more dependable energy future for all Dominicans.
At Dominica Electricity Services Limited (DOMLEC), we recognise the frustration customers have experienced due to the unplanned outages that have occurred during the commissioning and testing phase of the geothermal plant in Laudat. We sincerely thank the public for its patience as Dominica undertakes one of the most significant energy transitions in its history.
Despite the challenges presented during this critical testing period, geothermal energy is already delivering tangible benefits to customers. In April 2026, renewable energy penetration reached 51%, with 26% of electricity generation coming from geothermal energy and 25% from hydro resources. This reduced the island's dependence on diesel generation from an average of 75% to 49%.
These gains are particularly important at a time when global fuel prices continue to rise sharply. DOMLEC began 2026 with a fuel surcharge of $0.3198/kWh, which increased in the months to follow, with the dramatic climb of global fuel costs. By April, the cost of fuel to DOMLEC increased to almost $15 per gallon, from $9 at the start of the year. With the injection of geothermal power to the national grid, by May the fuel surcharge decreased from $0.4953/kWh to $0.4627/kWh.
Without geothermal energy, customers would have faced a significantly higher surcharge of $0.6506/kWh. During the commissioning and testing phase, power is purchased at a discounted rate, however, from the Commercial Operating Date (COD), power will be purchased at the commercial rate. If the cost of geothermal was calculated at the commercial rate for the current period; at $0.5309 it would still be lower than if there were no contribution from geothermal.
These figures clearly demonstrate a trajectory of long-term value from geothermal energy to Dominica. As geothermal generation increases and reliance on diesel decreases, customers can expect greater price stability, reduced exposure to volatile fuel markets, and a more reliable electricity system.
Geothermal energy is an indigenous resource, a source of national pride, and a major step toward the Government of Dominica's goal of achieving 100% renewable energy by 2030. DOMLEC remains committed to working through the challenges of this transition phase to deliver a cleaner, more sustainable, and more dependable energy future for all Dominicans.
For more information
18 Castle Street, P.O, Box 1593,
Roseau Dominica
Dominica
www.domlec.dm/
