Aqualectra Ends Load Shedding but Warns Power Supply Still Fragile

Former Aqualectra management member Dieudonné van der Veen is warning that power interruptions — including brownouts and controlled load-shedding — are causing significant economic and social harm in Curaçao. Van der Veen notes that electricity is often taken for granted until it disappears, at which point the damage to businesses and households begins immediately. The economic consequences of both partial voltage drops (brownouts) and deliberate switching outages are described as considerable. His comments underscore growing concern on the island about the reliability of Aqualectra, Curaçao's public utility provider. The warnings highlight the broader vulnerability of the local economy to infrastructure failures, particularly in a service-driven economy dependent on consistent power supply.

Frequent power outages in Curaçao are causing significant direct economic damage across multiple sectors, according to a report by Extra Curaçao. Businesses are bearing the brunt of the disruptions, with restaurants losing revenue during blackouts, supermarkets risking spoilage of refrigerated and frozen goods, and factories forced to halt production entirely. Hotels are also affected, having to compensate guests for the inconvenience caused by the interruptions. The cumulative financial toll on the private sector highlights growing concern over the reliability of the island's electricity supply infrastructure. The report underscores that even a single hour without power carries measurable economic consequences for businesses of all sizes. The situation points to a systemic challenge for Curaçao's utility grid and raises questions about accountability and long-term solutions for stable energy delivery.

On Tuesday, August 18, vendors at Plaza Wilson 'Papa' Godett in Willemstad, Curaçao began their transition to the newly designated Marshe Rondó market. The move marks a significant shift for the informal vendors who previously operated at the plaza. At Marshe Rondó, the sellers will have access to modern facilities designed to allow them to present and sell their products in an orderly and appealing manner. The upgraded environment is intended to create a more welcoming experience for visitors who frequent the market. The relocation represents an effort to improve both vendor conditions and the overall visitor experience at one of Willemstad's commercial gathering points.