WILLEMSTAD – Utility company Aqualectra is providing households with the opportunity to legalize their illegal water and electricity connections. Starting today, September 1st, there is a two-month exemption period. During this time, households have the opportunity to correct their connections at no cost and without fines.

The exemption period runs until October 31st of this year. From November 1, 2023, strict penalties and high fines will be imposed upon discovery.

Aqualectra suffers from revenue losses due to illegal connections, which are borne by paying customers. Reducing this revenue loss and the additional costs caused by third parties illegally tampering with the distribution network is a priority.

These illegal activities not only result in financial losses but also jeopardize the reliability of the water and electricity network.

Exemption Period

In the first phase of this project, the campaign ‘Register for Installation Correction Now’ is launched, with the aim of giving those who are using water and electricity illegally the opportunity to rectify their situation during the exemption period, which runs from September 1st to October 31st.

This provides an opportunity to make their situation legal before November 1, when the heavy penalties and fines come into effect.

The exemption period does not apply to outstanding bills and debts with Aqualectra. The disconnection of electricity or water during this period will occur if no arrangement is made for outstanding bills with Aqualectra.

Fines

From November 1st, the next phase begins. A control team consisting of representatives from Aqualectra, the police, and the Public Prosecutor’s Office will rigorously address irregularities.

Households caught engaging in irregularities can expect significant fines, bearing the costs of correction work on the installation, and possibly facing legal action and media publication of the results of the measures taken.

Bron: Curacao Chronicle