MARIGOT:--- On June 13, 2025, EDF Archipel Guadeloupe held a press conference in Saint-Martin to address significant challenges facing the island’s electrical system. The conference shed light on the growing strains on power supply, the principle of tariff equalization that ensures fair electricity costs, and the measures being planned to secure a stable energy future for the region. Here’s a detailed look at the key discussions.
Crises in the Electrical System
Saint-Martin’s electrical infrastructure is grappling with multiple challenges. Some production units have exceeded their optimal operational capacity, while a new power plant, intended to replace the outdated systems, awaits government approvals tied to the Multi-Year Energy Program (MYEP). Additionally, technical incidents in newer production units and limited availability of land for future projects have compounded the issue.
The increasing electricity demand, which rose by 7% during the first half of 2024, has also put a strain on the system. Though there was a slight decline in consumption toward the end of 2024, the pressure on Saint-Martin’s aging infrastructure persists, with peak power needs often exceeding the available supply.
Understanding Tariff Equalization
A bright spot for Saint-Martin residents is the principle of tariff equalization, a policy of national solidarity. Despite the higher costs of electricity production in island territories due to factors such as insularity and reliance on imported fuel for thermal production, this principle ensures that consumers pay rates comparable to those in mainland France. This system, funded through the government’s Contribution to the Public Electricity Service (CSPE), provides relief from what could otherwise be prohibitive energy costs.
Délestages and Their Impact
Power outages, or délestages, have been affecting daily life in Saint-Martin. Between January and May 2025, there were 27 days of rolling blackouts, lasting an average of two hours, which affected thousands of customers at a time. The most severe event occurred on May 9, when nearly 7,000 customers—approximately 41% of Saint-Martin’s households—were left without power.
These blackouts are a result of insufficient production capacity, accentuated by technical faults and planned maintenance on aging machines.
Proposed Solutions to Secure Energy Supply
EDF highlighted a multi-tiered plan to improve Saint-Martin’s energy resilience.
- Short-term: A backup power plant with a capacity of 20 MW is expected to be operational within two years. Additionally, rapid-action measures like installing new generator sets (GE) have been implemented to add temporary capacity.
- Medium Term: A temporary central facility with 30 MW capacity, compliant with modern environmental standards, is slated for deployment within 14 months, pending regulatory approval. This facility would operate for seven years to bridge the gap until permanent solutions are in place.
- Long Term: The awaited PPE aims to guide the construction of a modern power plant to replace outdated units. Alongside efforts to renovate other facilities, this measure is expected to provide a sustainable energy foundation for decades to come.
Energy Efficiency and Citizen Participation
EDF repeatedly highlighted the essential role of energy efficiency in mitigating power shortages. Local initiatives like the ‘Agir Plus’ program are designed to promote energy-saving technologies. Through financial incentives, residents can adopt improvements like thermal insulation and high-efficiency appliances. For example, the program offers up to €700 in rebates for solar water heaters, €500 for top-grade air conditioners, and significant aid for insulation upgrades.
EDF’s ‘E-qui libre’ service also enables residents to monitor their energy use more closely. This free digital platform provides insights into daily consumption patterns and identifies high-use appliances, empowering users to take control of their electricity bills.
A Call for Collective Action
With the slogan “I lower, I turn off, I shift,” EDF Archipel Guadeloupe is encouraging behavioral changes among residents to reduce their individual electricity use. Simple measures, like adjusting air conditioning by just 1°C, can lead to a 10% reduction in energy consumption.
Moving Toward a Brighter Future
Saint-Martin stands at a critical juncture. The confluence of outdated infrastructure, growing demand, and environmental pressures underscores the need for immediate and sustained action. EDF’s proposed measures, paired with collective effort and government collaboration, offer hope for a stable energy future. However, the road ahead requires commitments from all stakeholders from policymakers to individual residents.
For more information on the ongoing efforts and available programs, residents are encouraged to contact EDF Archipel Guadeloupe.
