~Fuel supplier’s role, long-standing base rate, renewable energy and regulatory oversight placed on the table~
PHILIPSBURG:--- Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina met with Member of Parliament Omar Ottley and the supervisory and management boards of N.V. GEBE to discuss electricity prices and possible measures to alleviate the financial pressure on the people of Sint Maarten.
The meeting was held on Tuesday at the Prime Minister’s initiative, following his statement during the 2026 budget debate that he was willing to meet with Ottley.
Mercelina described the discussion as constructive and fruitful, saying the meeting was based on the people's common interests rather than a political agenda.
The Prime Minister said he invited GEBE’s supervisory and management boards so that he would not have to act as a messenger between the Member of Parliament and the utility company.
“I decided to bring them also to the table for us to actually discuss the concerns that we all have, and especially the questions that the MP had,” Mercelina explained.
Several issues affecting electricity prices were discussed, including the factors contributing to the final amount charged to consumers.
Mercelina said the parties also examined the significant role fuel supplier Sol plays in determining the final electricity price residents pay.
The discussion additionally covered GEBE’s base rate, which the Prime Minister said has remained at 25 cents for years.
According to Mercelina, participants discussed whether additional measures could address electricity pricing. They paid particular attention to legislation being developed to incorporate a regulatory adviser.
The proposed regulatory adviser would advise the Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transportation and Telecommunication on energy regulation and consumer pricing.
Mercelina said the objective is for government to obtain a proper overview of—and greater control over—the electricity prices being charged to consumers in Sint Maarten.
The meeting concluded with action points and additional work to be completed. A follow-up meeting with Ottley is also expected.
The Prime Minister said he is considering inviting additional Members of Parliament to participate in future discussions alongside the TEATT minister.
“At the end of the day, it is not about the Member of Parliament or me. It is about trying to do what we can to alleviate and improve the livelihood of the people of Sint Maarten,” Mercelina stated.
GEBE Moving Ahead With Renewable Energy Projects
Mercelina also announced that GEBE is advancing two major renewable-energy initiatives: utility-scale solar generation and a battery energy-storage system.
The planned solar component includes approximately four megawatts of ground-mounted solar capacity at Hope Estate and approximately 2.5 megawatts of solar-carport capacity at the Walter G. Nisbeth Road parking lot.
The battery energy-storage system is expected to provide approximately 25 to 26 megawatt-hours of storage capacity, supported by approximately 11 megawatts of inverter capacity.
The Prime Minister identified Pond Island, Seegersgut and Mullet Bay as proposed locations.
Mercelina said the projects are intended to support grid stability, improve energy security and allow Sint Maarten to integrate more renewable energy into its national electricity network.
Battery storage would allow electricity generated from sunlight to be stored and used when demand is higher or when the grid requires additional support.
The Prime Minister said GEBE is responsible for examining alternative energy sources if it intends to continue producing electricity for Sint Maarten. He confirmed that the renewable-energy project falls under GEBE’s budget and will be developed in cooperation with government.
According to Mercelina, Europe is supporting the batteries through SDE++ funding.
The Prime Minister said the government must provide immediate assistance to residents while also addressing the structural causes of high electricity costs. He noted that Sint Maarten remains heavily dependent on imported fossil fuel, leaving residents and businesses exposed to unpredictable changes in international fuel prices.
