WILLEMSTAD – The MAN-PIN faction has requested an urgent parliamentary question hour over Curaçao’s recurring power outages and Aqualectra’s shortage of available electricity generation capacity. The faction has submitted 19 questions and wants the government to explain whether the utility was adequately prepared for the current situation and who bears responsibility for the disruptions.
MAN-PIN invoked Article 96a of Parliament’s Rules of Procedure to request answers from the Minister of General Affairs, a portfolio held by Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas.
The request follows several days of electricity problems on Curaçao, during which Aqualectra has repeatedly resorted to load shedding. Neighborhoods have been temporarily disconnected from the grid when available electricity generation has been insufficient to meet demand.
MAN-PIN questions why Curaçao continues to face such problems despite the fact that higher electricity consumption during the hottest period of the year is a recurring and predictable phenomenon.
According to the faction, the consequences extend far beyond inconvenience for households. Power interruptions affect businesses and economic activity and can have particularly serious consequences for vulnerable residents.
Among its 19 questions, MAN-PIN wants to know whether Aqualectra properly prepared for the period of increased electricity demand and whether sufficient generating capacity and investments have been secured.
The faction also wants the government to address responsibility for the current situation.
Aqualectra has explained that several generating units are currently unavailable, leaving the island with reduced conventional electricity production. Weak wind conditions have compounded the problem because Curaçao has become temporarily more dependent on its wind farms to supplement conventional generation.
MAN-PIN is asking Parliament President Fergino Brownbill to convene the requested meeting as quickly as possible because of the impact of the electricity situation on the country.
“The people deserve a stable energy supply and responsible governance,” the faction said.