Guadeloupe: Rolling power outages continue territorywide as of Feb. 9 due to ongoing labor dispute; water shortages reported /update 1

Event

Rolling electricity outages are likely throughout Guadeloupe as of Feb. 9 due to an ongoing indefinite strike over labor conditions by members of the General Labor Confederation of Guadeloupe (Confederation Generale du Travaille de Guadeloupe, CGTG) at the French Island Electricity Company (Electricite de France - Production Electrique Insulaire, EDF PEI) power plant in Jarry. The labor dispute began Dec. 19 and has led to rolling power outages territorywide involving up to 100,000 customers; at least two of the four generators at the Jarry plant have been disabled at some point. Reports indicate that power load shedding has led to water shortages in some areas.

Temporary commercial and communications disruptions are possible while outages are taking place; cellular and mobile services could be affected. Traffic disruptions and longer driving times are possible during these periods due to malfunctioning traffic signals. Power outages could also result in the temporary unavailability of essential services such as ATMs and filling stations. There is an increased security threat during power outages. Blackouts could adversely affect security protocols, including alarm systems and electronic fences; opportunistic criminal activity could increase during electricity outages. Businesses disruptions are likely.

Advice

Charge laptops, tablets, mobile phones, and other business or travel-critical appliances regularly. Download available warning apps covering planned or unplanned power outages and monitor announcements from the utility. Secure supplies of water.