Schools reopen Thursday as Curaçao's hottest season strains power grid

Schools across Curaçao are set to reopen for all students on Thursday, August 20, coinciding with the start of the island's hottest time of year. The timing is raising immediate concerns, as utility provider Aqualectra is already struggling to meet current electricity demand. The surge in power consumption typically spikes when schools return, as air conditioning units across campuses and households run at full capacity during peak heat. Aqualectra has acknowledged capacity issues just as this increased demand is set to hit. The situation highlights a recurring tension between the island's infrastructure limits and seasonal energy needs. Residents and school administrators may face potential outages or reduced power supply during this critical back-to-school period.