The Board of Directors of Dominica Electricity Company Ltd. (DOMLEC) has announced the appointment of Grenadian-born Dwayne Cenac as the company’s new General Manager. According to reports from Dominica, Cenac’s appointment will take effect on September 02, 2024.
Cenac, an accomplished electrical engineer with extensive experience in the power systems sector, brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to DOMLEC at a pivotal time in its development.
Chairperson of the Board, Francine Baron, expressed confidence in his ability to guide the company through the significant challenges ahead, particularly as DOMLEC plays a key role in Dominica’s transition from fossil fuel generation to renewable energy, including geothermal power.
“Mr. Cenac assumes the role of General Manager at a challenging time for the company. The Board is satisfied that he is qualified and capable of successfully managing this transition and leading DOMLEC to stability, profitability, and efficiency,” she stated.
Cenac previously held a management role at another Eastern Caribbean power company, where he gained valuable insights into the unique challenges and opportunities faced by island utilities.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Universidad de Oriente, Santiago de Cuba, and a postgraduate diploma in Business Management with a specialisation in Project Management from the University of Wales.
During his tenure at Grenada Electricity Company Ltd. (GRENLEC), Cenac achieved several significant milestones, including the expansion of a 33kV, 40MVA distribution substation and the implementation of new protection schemes to enhance reliability.
He also played a key role in revising system planning methodologies to improve budgetary processes for major investments in Transmission, Distribution, and Generation. In his most recent position as Generation Manager, he emphasised human resource development and departmental sustainability to meet growing capacity demands.
His leadership was crucial in the rollout of major capital maintenance and upgrade projects that restored efficiency and ensured the reliability of GRENLEC’s generation assets.
As DOMLEC’s new General Manager, Cenac will be responsible for providing strategic leadership, overseeing day-to-day operations, and guiding the planning and execution of infrastructure development projects aimed at enhancing the company’s efficiency and capacity.
His expertise in financial strategy and stakeholder management will be vital in achieving the company’s goals. Cenac replaces Ellise Darwton, Company Secretary and Legal Officer, who has managed the company as Acting General Manager since March, following the resignation of Bertilia McKenzie.
One of the key projects under his leadership will be the installation of a 4.8MW system at DOMLEC’s Fond Cole plant, which is expected to significantly increase the company’s generating capacity and improve service reliability for customers across the island.
THE NEW TODAY understands that Cenac was reluctant to leave his position at GRENLEC but became frustrated with the lackluster manner in which the current Management was moving on some of his recommendations to help improve the local utility company.
One of these included the purchase of replacement equipment for some of the aging generating sets at GRENLEC.