WILLEMSTAD – Aqualectra is working around the clock to restore electricity generation capacity on Curaçao, with repair crews now operating in double shifts as new parts arrive on the island. The utility expects the current capacity shortage to begin easing by the end of August through the return of a production unit and the planned use of a CRU gas turbine.
The accelerated repair effort comes after repeated electricity shortages forced Aqualectra to implement controlled load shedding in several neighborhoods. The company has been struggling with limited conventional generation capacity, leaving the electricity system particularly vulnerable when wind-power production falls.
With new components now becoming available, repair work is being carried out day and night. Aqualectra expects a first generation unit to return to service, while the gas turbine at CRU is also expected to begin providing additional electricity this weekend.
Together, those measures should provide some relief to the strained electricity system before the end of August.
A more extensive repair is required for the severely damaged generation unit that has been out of operation since December 2025. New engine blocks needed for that unit are scheduled to arrive on Curaçao on September 2.
Until additional machines return to service, Aqualectra will have to continue closely balancing available generation against electricity demand. This means the possibility of further controlled outages cannot yet be ruled out if available production falls below demand.
The company is also working toward a longer-term solution. A new power plant is expected to be completed by the end of December, significantly strengthening Curaçao’s available generation capacity.
Once the new plant is operational and the damaged units are restored, Aqualectra expects the structural capacity shortage behind the recent electricity problems to be resolved.
The coming weeks remain critical, however, as the utility attempts to restore enough conventional generation to reduce its dependence on favorable wind conditions and prevent further load shedding.