Haiti's Largest Hydroelectric Plant Shuts Down Amid Protests

Electricite d'Haiti (EDH) reported that output at Peligre, the largest hydroelectric plant in Haiti, has halted due to protests. Demonstrators demand power supply to other areas before the capital, Port-au-Prince. With Peligre out, many residents rely on costly generators, and the humanitarian crisis worsens.

Electricite d'Haiti (EDH) announced on Tuesday that output at Peligre, the Caribbean nation's largest hydroelectric plant, has plummeted to zero. This shutdown followed protests over the uneven distribution of the country's already struggling power supplies.

According to EDH, the Peligre plant ceased operations on Monday after protestors stormed the facility, demanding that power be distributed to other regions before the capital, Port-au-Prince. Currently, some of the capital's residents are forced to rely on diesel-powered generators and solar batteries. However, the poorest residents cannot afford either alternative.

With a capacity of 54 megawatts (MW), Peligre accounts for nearly all of EDH's 60 MW of hydroelectric power, making it Haiti's second-largest electricity source after fossil fuels. The latest World Bank data indicates that only 49% of Haitians have access to the electricity grid.

Compounding the issue, EDH revealed that two transformers had been irreparably damaged. Furthermore, they are unable to bring in technical assistance because the Ouest department, where Port-au-Prince is located, is practically isolated from the rest of the country. Haiti is grappling with a severe humanitarian crisis, driven by powerful and violent armed gangs that have taken control of significant parts of the capital and surrounding regions. This has not only hampered safe transport but also disrupted the supply of essential goods, such as medicine and food.

Nearing a critical point, nearly 580,000 people are internally displaced, and close to 5 million face severe hunger.

(With inputs from agencies.)