Supervision of electricity and drinking water
Sometimes there are conflicting interests regarding the affordability, reliability and sustainability of electricity and drinking water. For ACM, the task is to balance these interests.
In supervising electricity and drinking water in Caribbean Netherlands, ACM seeks a balance between three interests:
- electricity and drinking water must be affordable;
- electricity and drinking water must be reliable;
- electricity and drinking water must be sustainable (production);
An example: reliable network versus higher rates
In order to ensure reliable energy and drinking water supply, the electricity and water companies need to invest in their network.
These investments cost money that the company may well want to recoup through higher rates for consumers.
Another example: stability of the energy network
It is sustainable to use electricity from solar panels or wind turbines. But if there are lots of solar panels, a cloud in front of the sun can lead to network instability. To make the network more stable, additional investments may be necessary.
In this type of example, ACM seeks the right balance between affordability, reliability and sustainability.
Getting started with three questions
ACM works with onsite representation in Caribbean Netherlands. ACM people will give substance to the legislation on the basis of the local situation on Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba. In order to implement the law, we specially focus on three questions. These three questions are:
What are reasonable electricity and drinking water rates for consumers and companies?
Do the electricity and drinking water companies have reasonable terms and conditions?
Are the electricity and drinking water companies financially sound?
Allocation of tasks with the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate
ACM is not responsible for the reliability of the electricity and drinking water supply. This is the responsibility of the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate.
That means that the Inspectorate measures the quality, i.e. purity and taste, of the drinking water. And supervises the electricity supply, i.e. the grid voltage, is in order.
If you still have any questions about the reliability of the electricity and drinking water supply, please contact the ILT.