WILLEMSTAD – The island-wide blackout that struck Curaçao early Wednesday morning was caused by the shutdown of two power plants, Dokweg 1 and Dokweg 2, around 3:00 a.m., Aqualectra confirmed at a press conference.

The utility company said it is gradually restoring electricity, reconnecting neighborhoods step by step. So far, between 18 and 20 percent of the island has power again. Areas such as Groot Kwartier, Matancia, Amerikanenkamp, parts of Brievengat, and Zeelandia have already been reconnected to the grid.

Public Urged to Conserve Power

Aqualectra is calling on residents to use electricity sparingly during the restoration process. “The demand for electricity is high, especially because of the heat. Please use as little as possible—it helps us restart the system more smoothly,” the company stated.

The blackout, which began in the early hours of the morning, has had a major impact on daily life across the island. Schools remained closed, and government offices were shut for much of the day.