WILLEMSTAD – Utility company Aqualectra has provided an update following the massive blackout that struck Curaçao in the early hours of Wednesday, August 27, leaving the island without electricity for nearly 12 hours. Power went out at 2:51 a.m. and was only fully restored in the early hours of Thursday, August 28, at 1:08 a.m.
The company explained that while most households were reconnected during the afternoon of the outage, large consumers such as the Curaçao Medical Center, harbor facilities, and water plants had to be gradually reconnected for operational reasons. According to Aqualectra, close communication was maintained with these key clients until power was fully restored.
In the days that followed, Aqualectra mobilized all its teams to stabilize the grid and respond to isolated interruptions as quickly as possible. The company also opened its administrative channels to process claims from customers whose electronic appliances may have been damaged by the blackout. So far, 135 claims have been received. Customers who submit complete information can expect their claims to be processed within 10 working days, with technicians visiting homes when necessary to assess damage.
Cause of the blackout
During a press conference on the day of the outage, Aqualectra reported that the blackout was triggered by a sudden drop in wind capacity, which caused a voltage imbalance in the grid. The company stressed, however, that a blackout is a highly complex event and requires a full technical analysis to determine the exact root cause.
Aqualectra confirmed that it will conduct a detailed investigation with international experts, including simulations, and that the final report will be shared publicly once complete. The utility also reaffirmed its commitment to renewable energy, noting that partner NuCapital worked closely with its teams to restore service.
Preparing for September heat
The company warned that September is typically one of the hottest months of the year, when demand for electricity surges due to heavy use of air conditioning and fans. Aqualectra said it is monitoring the situation constantly to ensure stability and minimize the risk of further interruptions.
To strengthen supply in the long term, the company is building a new 40 MW power plant and expects to connect its Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) to the grid by October 2025. Meanwhile, maintenance is being carried out weekly across neighborhoods, with schedules published in local newspapers and on Aqualectra’s social media pages.
Company statement
In its message to the public, Aqualectra acknowledged the hardship caused by the blackout: “We know that a simple apology does not change the situation, but we sincerely regret the impact this outage had on families, businesses, and the community as a whole. As part of this community, we feel that pain too. We remain firmly committed to providing every customer with a reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy supply.”
