KRALENDIJK – The House of Representatives has approved an amendment to limit the rising costs of electricity and water in Bonaire. Over 5 million dollars has been allocated for 2026 to keep utility rates affordable.
The proposal by ChristenUnie and GroenLinks-PvdA received broad support from nearly all parties and was adopted convincingly. Only the PVV did not vote in favour.
Retroactive effect
According to ChristenUnie MP Don Ceder, the measure comes late. "This amendment should actually have retroactive effect. We only voted today on the budget that came into force on 1 January," he states. Ceder wants to put the topic back on the agenda during the cost-of-living security debate on 1 April.
The additional funds are intended to supplement existing subsidies, which proved insufficient due to population growth and rising costs. Without intervention, rates on the BES islands would rise faster than in European Netherlands, with negative consequences for purchasing power.
GroenLinks-PvdA MP Sjoukje van Oosterhout previously described it as "an important first step" towards lowering energy bills. At the same time, she emphasises that a structural solution remains necessary.
Parliament is therefore calling on the cabinet to come up with a long-term plan, so that the affordability of basic utilities in Bonaire and the other islands is permanently improved.
