NV GEBE hosts St. Maarten Parliament Members for Power Plant Tour

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — On Wednesday, October 2, 2024, NV GEBE hosted several Members of the Parliament of St. Maarten for an insightful presentation and tour of the Power Plant.

The delegation in attendance included: the Hon. Chairlady of Parliament Sarah A. Wescot-Williams, along with the following Honorable MPs: Melissa D. Gumbs, Viren V. Kotai, Francisco A. Lacroes, Ludmila N.L. de Weever, and Darryl T.J. York. Also, in attendance were various faction members, including: Oliver Williams and Carlita Guy, and St. Maarten Parliament staff members S.G. Garrick Richardson, Jessica Duzong-Weeks and Rosencio Hassell.

At the opening by Troy Washington, NV GEBE’s Temporary Manager, he expressed a warm welcome to the Parliament Members and supporting delegates.

Anthony Hodge, NV GEBE’s Power Plant Manager, provided an orientation which included an introduction to the Power Plant and overview of the layout, the installed production capacity – as compared to the present status with energy shortages, a breakdown of the N-2 criteria, along with insights on the intensive internal dynamics, and maintenance schedules. The company’s current challenges and the solutions were of utmost importance.

Thereafter, the delegation toured the wide-ranging facilities at N.V. GEBE’s Power Plant, and actively witnessed the operations at Buildings #4 and #5 first-hand, where technical repairs and maintenance of several engines, including DG 19, are underway.

During the visit to the Control Room, the delegation attentively reviewed the extensive computer systems monitoring the electricity flow island-wide, with in-depth explanations regarding the high energy consumption in certain areas which impact the repetitive need for load-shedding in those respective districts. Details were vividly showcased onscreen using the SCADA technical software for automatic monitoring, protecting and controlling of various equipment.

The tour also included a review of the “Short-term Solution,” the 10 MW mini Power Plant with a brief presentation by SoEnergy, as well as, the “Mid-term Solution,” with an overview by Mr. Patrick Drijvers highlighting the current developments taking place at the site for the new 20 MW Power Plant.

The eye-opening tour was truly informative and a first for many attendees. It showcased both the shortcomings and challenges faced by NV GEBE, as well as the strengths of the company’s technical operations and visionary plans for innovative developments, including solar energy. Also highlighted were NV GEBE’s dedicated team members who work around-the-clock to provide the community with continuous electricity and water supply.

Poignant questions were raised regarding the exploration of LNG energy, NV GEBE’s capacity shortages, staffing challenges, the loadshedding schedule, recommendations to protect appliances and additional public workshops.

Several misconceptions were clarified as enlightening information was shared about the high operational costs of NV GEBE’s LNG engine onsite, the need for additional qualified manpower with specializations in the electrical engineering field. Tips were also shared to protect appliances during loadshedding with surge protectors, mini circuit breakers and voltage regulators. As it pertains to more public workshops, NV GEBE will continue to provide weekly updates to the Government and also, to the general public through various communication methods to bring more awareness.

The tour provided a great opportunity for the Members of Parliament to experience NV GEBE’s Power Plant operations first-hand. “These bridges of understanding lead to cooperation. We strive to work together and develop solution-oriented best practices on behalf of our community. We remain open to exploring viable solutions for the sustainable resolution of St. Maarten’s energy challenges, with a relentless focus on solutions! Through collaborating and joining forces, our shared vision for a strong, efficient, and reliable NV GEBE will be realized sooner than later,” shared Washington.

NV GEBE would like to express heartfelt gratitude to the Parliament of St. Maarten for taking the time out of their busy schedules to visit and also, to the company’s hard-working employees for their hard work, endurance and undying commitment.