Saba Electric Company Explains Tuesday’s Island-Wide Outage

Electricity has been restored across Saba following the power outage on Tuesday, October 6, 2026. Saba Electric Company N.V. (SEC) has released further details on what happened and on the urgent repairs now being arranged at the power plant.

What happened on Tuesday

According to SEC, the outage began with a communication error involving the solar park system. The company’s first attempts to restore power using the transformer still in service were unsuccessful, so crews brought the second transformer back online. It remained operational despite an oil leak.

That transformer had already been disconnected in preparation for repairs. Before it could be used again, the team had to reconnect it and top it up with oil. SEC says these extra steps added to the time it took to restore electricity across the island.

Why two transformers matter

The power plant has operated since 2016 and relies on two transformers, which normally share the load and each supply half of the island’s electricity. The design provides a backup: if one is unavailable, the other can supply the whole island.

Demand has grown since 2016, and larger ongoing developments are adding to it. That puts greater strain on a single transformer when it must carry the island alone, which is why SEC stresses the importance of getting both back into normal operation.

One transformer was recently taken out of service as a safety precaution after developing an oil leak. SEC described this as unexpected, noting that the units are designed to last well beyond ten years, particularly given the relatively low load each has carried while sharing demand.

Repairs expected this weekend

Fixing the oil leak is an urgent priority. SEC expects the necessary parts and specialist technicians to arrive this weekend. The company will issue another notice confirming:

• the repair schedule
• any expected interruptions to electricity supply
• any steps customers should take during the repairs

SEC apologizes

“We understand the disruption and concern this prolonged outage caused and apologize for the inconvenience,” SEC said in its statement. The company says its team is working to complete the repairs as quickly as possible and will keep the public informed, thanking residents for their patience, understanding and cooperation.

Residents are advised to watch for SEC’s upcoming notice on the repair schedule.

SEC