WILLEMSTAD – MFK Member of Parliament Ishahier Monte wants the Curaçao government to explain how hospitals, healthcare facilities, police and the fire department will remain operational if the island’s electricity capacity problems continue.
The question forms part of a broader parliamentary request from Monte concerning the recent electricity shortages and rotating power interruptions affecting neighborhoods across Curaçao.
While much of the public discussion has focused on households and businesses losing electricity, Monte is also drawing attention to the consequences for critical public services if generating capacity remains under pressure.
He wants the government to clarify whether a specific contingency plan exists to guarantee continued electricity supply to essential institutions should problems with electricity production persist.
The parliamentarian is also asking the government to look beyond the immediate crisis and explain how Curaçao intends to strengthen the electricity system over the longer term.
According to Monte, recent events raise questions about whether sufficient backup capacity exists when generating units malfunction or renewable energy production declines.
“If a problem with one generating unit, extreme heat or little wind can put the electricity supply under pressure, then we need to know what plan exists to make our system stronger and more reliable for the future,” Monte said.
He is therefore asking the government, in its capacity as shareholder of utility company Aqualectra, for information about pending investments aimed at improving generating units, expanding production and reserve capacity, and increasing electricity storage capabilities.
Battery storage has become increasingly important as Curaçao incorporates more renewable energy into its electricity system. Wind generation can fluctuate considerably, requiring other generating sources or stored electricity to compensate when production suddenly falls.
Monte argues that the ultimate objective should be an electricity system capable of absorbing unexpected disruptions without repeatedly forcing residents and businesses to deal with power interruptions.
His questions also place the longer-term resilience of Curaçao’s electricity infrastructure on Parliament’s agenda at a time when demand has been increasing.
Monte said greater transparency is necessary so the public can understand both the immediate risks and the measures being taken to strengthen the system.
“The people have a right to know what is happening, how serious the situation is and, above all, what they can expect in the coming days,” he said.