Is the reported power outages on both sides? Often? How long this been going on? Next week is our four time and never experienced any on the French Side. Thanks for your replies. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" />

In general, the big problems are on the Dutch side. How long has it been going on? Forever, apparently. GEBE is a disgrace.

We sometimes have power outages on the French side, but not often. The Dutch side has them almost daily and it's been going on for yrs, especially bad this past yr.

GeBe sucks. Owned by Government. They take the money. Don't fix the problem. GeBe uses the cheapest grade of fuel.
Horrible utility. I wouldn't even call them a utility.
Sucks.
irina

Last weekend GEBE had a part breakdown causing rolling outages. They had to order the part which took several days. Many resorts do have generators since its a common problem. In general, it is better than years ago. I've had 2 week visits without a single blackout. It's another thing that makes the island unique. For residents it's a nighmare! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" />

supposedly "fixed" with the right part on Wed...however, we continue to have load shedding every single day including today...I'm in Simpson Bay, other areas have not lost power at all...for me, daily since Sunday

Again, to the OP, as so well stated by Marcy, for those who live there this has to be a nightmare. Between the basic inconvenience in the first place coupled with the way GEBE handles it and then throw in the ruined appliances and gizmos and gadgets, and the constant occurrences, I'd be ballistic, for sure.

But in honesty, as a visitor, the biggest convenience most will see is the restaurants may not have power, since they generally seem to happen during the daylight hours and most resorts do have their own auxiliary power generators. A simplification of course, but for the most part, as a visitor these problems shouldn't be a major inconvenience during your trip on either side of the island, and in many cases, you may not even be aware they're happening. Unless, of course, you're the lucky soul who has to climb the stairs to the penthouse units at some properties on the Dutch side because your elevators are down. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Yikes.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Yikes.gif" alt="" />

marcy--It may be that GEBE is "unique" is being so freaking absolutely CLUELESS in providing consistent electric and water on the Dutch side. As far as I'm concerned, they are a disgrace, which island residents (and visitors) should not have to put up with.

THIS POST SHOULD BE NAMED SEMI-POWER. I've been here for 3weeks and it's happened every day and night. Actually during me typing this post.

This is one (of many) reasons we stay at Club Orient whenever we go to St. Martin. Club O generates its own power onsite with multiple generators and desalinates its own drinking water...24/7/365. They also have both 125 volt and 250 volt outlets in all their units (but not a lot of them, so bring a power strip)... Both voltages are at 60 Hz.

AMEN
We always bring an extension cord with a power strip because there is only a couple of plug ins and they are not really in the best locations....but the power is certainly reliable.

We love our Club O.

After more outages over the weekend

protests at GEBE offices are planned for today. Not that they care..

They actually have a dept to deal with damaged to appliances from the power surges.
irina

Hi. I assume you were posting in reply to Carol's post about Gebe and not my post about Club O generating its own power... <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Wink.gif" alt="" />

<img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Rofl.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Rofl.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Rofl.gif" alt="" />