On Tuesday, St. Maarten’s power infrastructure received a significant boost with the official activation of 10MW containerized generators, newly integrated into the grid managed by utilities provider GEBE. This development marks a key milestone in the company’s ongoing efforts to enhance electricity reliability for the island’s residents.
In a press statement, GEBE announced that its dedicated team overcame the challenges posed by Tropical Storm Ernesto to complete this major upgrade. The addition of these generators will contribute an extra 10 MW to the power grid, a move expected to substantially reduce load shedding, provided there are no unforeseen issues with existing equipment.
Throughout the installation process, rigorous safety protocols were implemented to ensure smooth and incident-free operations. “The success of this project was the result of relentless hard work, persistence, and effective teamwork,” said Troy Washington, Temporary Manager of NV GEBE. He extended personal gratitude to Patrick Drijvers, Distribution Manager; Anthony Hodge, Power Plant Manager; as well as the high tension and execution teams for their unwavering commitment. Washington also acknowledged the crucial support of NV GEBE’s Supervisory Board of Directors, I.T. Department, operators, and all other staff members involved in addressing the electricity shortages.
Patrick Drijvers praised the collective effort, emphasizing that the achievement was made possible by the unified collaboration of the entire team. “This milestone demonstrates the power of coming together with a shared goal,” Drijvers noted, highlighting the dedication and focus shown by all involved, despite various challenges.
GEBE remains committed to its mission of delivering reliable electricity and water services to the St. Maarten community. The company thanked residents for their patience and cooperation during the challenging period and reassured them that efforts to explore sustainable solutions for enhancing technical infrastructure are ongoing.
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