Publication Curaçao Blackout Investigations Review

In relation to the various island wide interruptions in the electricity distribution, also referred to as ‘black-outs’, on June 8 and 15 2023 (and later), the Bureau Telecommunicatie en Post (BT&P) initiated an independent expert investigation in concurrance with the Minister of Economic Development. The result of this investigation can be downloaded in the report Curaçao Blackout investigations Review.

The investigation has been executed by ENGIE/Laborelec, a Belgium based organisation which is internationally renowned for its investigative and technical expertise within the area of electrical power systems. The investigation was focussed on the research that had already been exectued by Aqualectra and its external experts in relation to the black-outs, whereby the main question was whether such research addressed the issues in a sufficient manner. Especially as Aqualectra received the support from other internationally renowned experts, this approach avoided a repetition of investigations.

After an initial analysis of the already executed investigations, ENGIE/Laborelec focusses in the report on three main topics: i) protections, ii) power generation and stability, and iii) organizations and procedures. Finally various recommendations are provided in relation to these main topics which have also been provided to Aqualectra.

BT&P will monitor the progress on the various points of improvement in close contact with Aqualectra in order to enhance the reliability of the electricity system.

The Director of Bureau Telecommunicatie en Post.

Mr. C.S. Belfor

(Source: ENGIE. BT&P publication period: 2024)