WILLEMSTAD – The PAR parliamentary faction is calling on the Curaçao government to reconsider and reverse the water and electricity rate increases taking effect October 1, arguing that households are being asked to absorb yet another increase in the cost of living.
In a statement issued Wednesday, PAR faction staff member Ana Maria Pauletta said access to clean and affordable water is a basic necessity and questioned how the latest increase can be reconciled with the government's commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Pauletta specifically pointed to SDG 6, which focuses on access to clean water and sanitation. Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas recently raised the SDG flag as part of Curaçao's renewed commitment to the development goals.
According to PAR's calculations, the basic water rate for the first nine cubic meters will increase by almost XCG 0.71 per cubic meter as of October 1.
For a household consuming nine cubic meters of water and 250 kWh of electricity, PAR calculates that the combined monthly bill will be XCG 22.61 higher than in September. Compared with January 2026, the same household would now pay XCG 50.93 more each month for exactly the same amount of water and electricity.
PAR argues that an additional XCG 22.61 a month cannot simply be dismissed as a minor increase, particularly for families already facing higher expenses for food, transportation and other necessities.
The party is therefore asking Pisas to explain publicly and with detailed figures how the new rates were calculated and what role the so-called correction factor plays in determining what consumers pay.
PAR also wants clarification on whether the higher tariffs include expenses for equipment maintenance or additional personnel, as well as how much of the increase consists of turnover tax and excise duties paid to the government.
Pauletta also pointed to Aqualectra's financial performance. According to figures cited by PAR from the utility company's annual report, Aqualectra recorded a net profit of XCG 24.24 million in 2025, compared with XCG 22.66 million in 2024.
PAR acknowledges that producing and distributing water and electricity involves substantial expenses and that Aqualectra has made significant investments. However, it says consumers deserve a clear explanation of the relationship between the company's financial position, operating expenses and the higher tariffs.
The faction is now asking the government to consider reversing the October increase while developing a mechanism to protect the basic amount of water and electricity required by households.
It also wants the government to investigate whether the additional costs could instead be covered from Aqualectra's revenues or profits, or through an additional government subsidy. Pauletta pointed to Bonaire as an example, saying its government recently provided similar support.
According to PAR, the financial impact of repeated increases falls particularly heavily on pensioners, social assistance recipients, minimum-wage workers and working-class families.
The party said Curaçao cannot continue passing every increase in the cost of living on to households with the least financial room to absorb it.