WILLEMSTAD - The utility company Aqualectra is uncertain whether it can continue to meet the high demand for electricity. The peak load in energy usage is increasingly higher. Typically, these peaks are only seen in September, the hottest month of the year.
“The peaks we are currently seeing are normally observed in September. Additionally, we usually see high usage in the evenings, but now we are seeing it during the day as well,” said Isenia. According to Aqualectra Director Neysa Isenia, the peak load is related to the extreme heat.
Isenia mentioned that it is "tense" to what extent the utility company can continue to meet the high demand. The peak demand had decreased in recent years due to the introduction of solar panels. However, energy consumption is increasing due to the ongoing heat. Aqualectra said the heatwave caught the company off guard, and it did not anticipate the peak load.
Aqualectra did not foresee the growth in peak moments because Curaçao had a stagnant economy in recent years, leading to a declining trend in energy demand. Climate change is also a factor. While the average temperature in March 2021 was 30.4 degrees Celsius, it was nearly 33 degrees Celsius in March 2024.