New Law regulates electricity and drinking water BES

On March 22th, the Senate adopted the law electricity and drinking water BES. The law contributes  to an affordable, reliable and sustainable power- and water supply on Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba. The law is drawn up jointly by two ministries: the Ministry of Economic Affairs and the Ministry of Infrastructure and Environment. The Consumer Authority & Market (ACM) will together with the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT) ensure that companies comply with this law. The law will take effect on July 1st, 2016.

Role of the ministries concerned

The ministries concerned will grant permits to companies that want to produce and distribute electricity and drinking water. The law also offers the possibility that these ministries give subsidy to the drinking water and electricity companies. In addition, this law makes it possible for inhabitants of the three islands to, for example, generate electricity with solar panels for themselves. They may also deliver back to the network. They will receive a small fee for this.

Role of ACM

As a regulator the ACM will establish the rates for electricity and drinking water. ACM will also ensure that the electricity and water companies maintain reasonable conditions for their customers. ACM has stationed two employees on location to monitor the supervision.

Role of ILT

The ILT is the regulator when it pertains the quality and safety of the electricity and drinking water facilities. ILT, through inspection visits, monitors these facilities in the Caribbean Netherlands

Joined Press release The Consumer Authority & Market (ACM)/EZ/ILT.