RAC Blackout Investigation Shows Improvements in Electricity System

WILLEMSTAD – The stability and reliability of the electricity system are essential to the functioning of Curaçao’s society and economy. The various power outages in recent years, including islandwide blackouts, have clearly highlighted this. Following those incidents, utility company Aqualectra conducted investigations into their causes. The findings of those investigations, together with the identified areas for improvement, were independently reviewed by the Regulatory Authority of Curaçao (RAC) in 2023/2024 with the support of the internationally renowned consultancy agency ENGIE/Laborelec.

Nevertheless, another blackout occurred on August 27, 2025, prompting RAC to initiate a follow-up investigation shortly thereafter. The focus of the investigation was to assess the progress made in implementing the previously identified improvement measures, as these measures were specifically aimed at enhancing the stability and reliability of the electricity system. The investigation also examined the specific circumstances surrounding the blackout of August 27th and the restoration process employed by Aqualectra.
Together with ENGIE/Laborelec, a specialist in electricity systems, RAC visited Aqualectra at the end of November 2025 to discuss the progress of the implementation of the improvement measures and to observe these improvements firsthand across the various components of the electricity system.

Overall, the investigation found that, overall, the electricity system has shown progress in three fundamental areas of focus: system protection, power generation and grid stability, and organizational structure and procedures. For example, a completely revised protection philosophy has been developed and largely implemented; a battery energy storage system has been installed to support grid operations; and the technical organization is now better aligned with operational requirements. The fundamental improvement measures identified in previous investigations have been, and continue to be, implemented appropriately, contributing to a more stable and reliable electricity system.

With regard to the blackout that occurred on August 27, 2025, the investigation concluded that it resulted from a complex and unfortunate combination of technical circumstances. Concrete measures have since been implemented to prevent a recurrence. The cause of this blackout was not related to the earlier technical shortcomings, which have now been substantially addressed.
Although power outages can never be completely eliminated, the improvements that have been implemented reduce the likelihood of such events and help limit their impact when they do occur. As Curaçao’s electricity system continues to evolve, particularly through the integration of more renewable energy sources, maintaining system stability and reliability will require continuous investment, monitoring and coordination. RAC will continue to contribute to these objectives through transparent oversight of the electricity sector.

Read the full investigation report, including the findings and the underlying recommendations for improvement.

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Note for the Editors: For further information regarding this press release, please contact the Regulatory Authority of Curaçao at +(599-9) 463-1700.

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(Source: RAC. Publication period: 2026)