WILLEMSTAD – Bringing in temporary generators from Aggreko is currently not an option for Aqualectra as Curaçao struggles with insufficient electricity generation capacity. Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas says the additional costs would ultimately lead to substantially higher electricity rates for consumers.
Temporary generating capacity has been considered before when Aqualectra faced shortages, particularly during periods when wind generation was insufficient. In 2024, Aqualectra even launched a tender for between 10 and 40 MW of temporary capacity for a maximum period of two years, but later abandoned the process while simultaneously exploring the use of existing turbines at Curaçao Refinery Utilities (CRU).
According to Pisas, however, using Aggreko generators under the current circumstances would be too expensive.
The prime minister said fuel prices have risen in recent months, but Aqualectra has so far absorbed those higher costs instead of passing them directly on to consumers. The growing contribution from renewable energy has helped the utility limit the financial impact.
Adding temporary Aggreko generators would significantly change that calculation because the units would require additional fuel and operating expenditure. According to Pisas, the costs would become too high for Aqualectra to absorb, meaning consumers would eventually face higher electricity tariffs.
The issue is particularly sensitive because electricity rates fell significantly last year. Aqualectra reported that the average electricity price declined by almost 11 percent in 2025, from more than 64 cents per kilowatt-hour to approximately 58 cents.
The government and Aqualectra are therefore looking closer to home for additional capacity.
Attention is focused on a gas turbine operated by CRU on the refinery property. Aqualectra had already identified the refinery turbines as a potential source of additional electricity in 2024 when it discontinued its tender for temporary generating capacity.
The facility had subsequently been under the control of Global Oil, but returned to government-owned 2Bays earlier this year following negotiations.
Pisas said 2Bays is now working to have the turbine operational within four days. Once connected, the unit could provide Aqualectra with additional firm generation capacity and reduce the utility's dependence on favorable wind conditions.
The urgency has increased after Curaçao again experienced rotating power interruptions beginning last weekend. Aqualectra has said several generating units are unavailable, leaving the electricity system particularly vulnerable when wind production falls. The company previously warned that declining wind could force it to rely on its battery system and eventually begin rotating outages to keep supply and demand balanced.
Aqualectra is meanwhile making major investments in its electricity infrastructure. The company invested approximately Cg 233 million in 2025, including spending on renewable generation, battery storage, grid modernization and its new Salu power plant.
The immediate priority, however, remains restoring sufficient conventional generating capacity to get Curaçao through the current shortage without resorting to expensive temporary generators.