WILLEMSTAD - For several months now, Aqualectra has been working to improve the security grid across Curaçao.
Last night, there was a moment when the power demand on the Montaña substation was extremely high. This substation is one of the 13 transformers that supply electricity to the island. Due to the high demand, the security system at the substation failed, causing a power outage in the neighborhoods connected to this grid.
Aqualectra’s technicians immediately set out to work on the issue and restore power as quickly as possible to homes in the area. However, the demand was so high that after the technicians reconnected the power, it failed again. On two occasions, the technicians attempted to increase the capacity of the Montaña substation and restore power, but due to the high demand, the power went out both times. In total, the area was without power for approximately 3 hours during the late evening hours. Aqualectra says it understands that the timing of the outage and the fact that power failed three times made this an unpleasant situation for the affected households, and they sincerely apologize for the inconvenience.
At the time, they connected some of the customers to another substation, allowing all homes in the area to have power restored. With this, Aqualectra says they are confident that there will be no further outages for the affected homes in this area.