PHILIPSBURG:--- Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina says the government of Sint Maarten remains “fully engaged” with NV GEBE to ensure accurate billing, fair pricing, and tangible relief for residents still struggling with high electricity costs.
Addressing the media on Wednesday, Dr. Mercelina acknowledged ongoing public frustration over billing inaccuracies that date back to the 2022 cyberattack on GEBE’s systems.
“I hear the same complaints that the people do,” he said. “There is still some unhappiness concerning the inaccuracy of bills, and constantly I am attending the Supervisory Board about the information that I’m receiving.”
The Prime Minister said GEBE has assured government it is “working constantly” to improve its billing accuracy. While not directly involved in company management, Mercelina reminded the public of his role as shareholder representative.
“I am not GEBE management,” he explained. “But as a shareholder, I communicate my concerns and vision through the Supervisory Board, which is responsible for ensuring that the company executes corrective action.”
New Generators and Dutch Loan
Mercelina also confirmed that GEBE is negotiating directly with Wärtsilä, the Finnish energy manufacturer, to purchase new megawatt generators, financed through a €42 million loan from the Netherlands.
“We are now negotiating on the purchase of the generators,” he said. “Given GEBE’s long history with Wartsila, and its technical expertise with that brand, it was decided to go directly to the manufacturer.”
The loan carries a 2.43% interest rate, repayable over 25 years, and includes an additional €1 million for technical assistance and project oversight.
“That money will guide the entire technical process until the generators are installed,” Mercelina said.
He added that GEBE continues to absorb fuel-cost differences to shield consumers from rising diesel prices.
Relief for Vulnerable Households
Turning to relief efforts, Mercelina confirmed that GEBE’s NAf 600,000 assistance program—developed with the Department of Social Affairs—is already providing financial help to the island’s most vulnerable.
“That initiative came from GEBE itself,” he said. “It’s meant to help those most challenged with paying their electricity bills, in cooperation with Social Affairs, who know who the most vulnerable are.”
Beyond that, government is designing a second-tier relief program for low- and middle-income earners.
“We are now working on criteria to help the group just above the most vulnerable,” the Prime Minister explained. “It’s complex, but we’re determined to make it happen.”
Mercelina emphasized that while short-term relief is underway, structural reform is essential.
“Until we have a regulator, GEBE has the freedom to set tariffs,” he said, confirming that BTP will become the official regulator for electricity tariffs to ensure “transparent and reliable pricing” in the future.