St. Maarten is expected to experience more load shedding on Tuesday as repairs to the diesel generators #14 and #7 continue. GEBE power plant technicians worked throughout the night changing out parts and testing the engines to restore power.
Diesel Generator #14 has been offline since Saturday resulting in a loss of approximately 8 MW as a cylinder head and other critical parts needed to be replaced.
Meanwhile, initial testing on DG #7 revealed problems with the oil lube system as well as some issues with the electrical wiring. A Wartsila technician was flown in from Puerto Rico and has been assisting the GEBE crew; however, the technicians were only able to run the generator to 20% of its capacity before being forced to shut it down. Repairs will continue until late Monday night and another test run has been scheduled for early Tuesday morning.
Since GEBE has been operating on a very tight electricity production schedule, the loss of 8 MW resulted in load shedding on Monday. Electricity was restored to the last areas (Simpson Bay- Beacon Hill, Lowlands) by 7:15 p.m. Load shedding is expected to continue through Tuesday, until DG#14 can be brought back online.
The following tentative load shedding schedule has been made available. This schedule is subject to change; therefore updates will be posted continuously as they become available on the GEBE website at www.nvgebe.com.
From approximately 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.: Dutch Quarter area, Dawn Beach area, Pointe Blanche, Colebay area, Simpson Bay area, Cupecoy and Beacon Hill,
From approximately 11:30 a.m. to 01:30 p.m.: AT Illidge Road, Middle Region, Madame Estate area, Arch Rd. Suckergarden, Guana Bay, Cay Hill, Cay Bay, Colebay (Orange Grove, Welfare rd), Pelican area, Almond Grove, Colebay lagoon area
From approximately 01:30 p.m. to 03:30 p.m.: Belvedere, Oyster Pond, St. Peters, South Reward, Ebenezer, Betty’s Estate, Saunders, Mary’s Fancy.
GEBE apologizes for the inconvenience to the community. Technicians will continue to work around the clock to restore power as soon as possible.