Closed by protesters since Tuesday, May 13, the Péligre hydroelectric power plant remains shut down a week later. The executive authorities have not taken measures to proceed with its reopening. They have not attempted to establish formal contact with those who forced the shutdown of this critical infrastructure for irrigation and electricity production. Meanwhile, neighborhoods in the metropolitan area are plunged into total blackout. Businesses are beginning to feel the effects of the outage. Crowds are gathering near ice vendors' stalls as the summer heat begins to set in.

Contacted by Le Nouvelliste, Pierre Michel Félix, president of the Federation of EDH Workers' Unions (FESTREDH), indicated that nothing has changed at the plant. "The employees continue to show up daily. They maintain the facility but cannot proceed with its restart without a negotiated and concerted decision from the authorities. This is due to fear of reprisals from the local population," said Mr. Félix.