KRALENDIJK – The Netherlands Authority for Consumers & Markets (ACM) is upholding its 2026 tariff decisions for electricity and drinking water on Bonaire. The regulator has dismissed the objections filed by Water- and Energy Company Bonaire (WEB) and power producer ContourGlobal Bonaire as unfounded.
The ACM announced its decisions on 5 October. WEB had objected to the determination of the maximum production price and the distribution tariffs for electricity and drinking water. ContourGlobal contested the calculation of the reasonable return that is built into the electricity production price.
The regulator sees no reason to adjust the tariffs. According to the ACM, the tariffs and the calculation of the reasonable return were carefully determined and sufficiently substantiated. This included the use of research by the consultancy Brattle.
The decisions mean that the existing tariff determinations for 2026 remain in force. As a result, these objection proceedings will not lead to any change in the regulated tariffs.
Meanwhile, the debate over the affordability of energy on Bonaire continues. The Public Entity of Bonaire previously allocated $6 million to temporarily lower electricity rates. This discount applies to the final months of 2026.
The temporary discount does not change the ACM’s decision on the regulated tariffs.
