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An innovative solution to prevent power outages. That is how EDF Archipel Guadeloupe describes the pilot project set to take place on Thursday, June 4, in Saint-Barthélemy in collaboration with the local government.
The principle behind the experiment, which will take place on Thursday, June 4, for customers equipped with an electric meter, is as follows: between 10:45 a.m. and 1:15 p.m., the available power will be temporarily reduced. This is to test a new tool designed to secure the island’s power supply during periods of high consumption and limit the need for load shedding.
Specifically, power will be temporarily reduced for customers with single-phase meters (power limited to 3,000 W, or 3 kVA) or three-phase meters (power limited to 6,000 W (6 kVA), or 2,000 W per phase). EDF notes that customers will still be able to use essential everyday appliances: lighting, refrigerators, freezers, internet routers, computers, and phone chargers. However, it is recommended to avoid using multiple high-energy-consumption appliances simultaneously, such as ovens, washing machines, dryers, or air conditioners. At the end of the trial, full power will be automatically restored without any action required on the part of customers.
Toward Energy Efficiency
The trial is governed by a resolution of the territorial council adopted on March 12, 2026. All sites equipped with a digital meter and a contracted power of less than 36 kVA are affected, representing approximately 7,000 customers—nearly all households and small businesses on the island.
Preschools and elementary schools, telecommunications and water distribution infrastructure, as well as certain priority services such as emergency services and the police, are excluded from the program.
EDF Archipel Guadeloupe emphasizes that this pilot program is part of an initiative aimed at promoting energy conservation. “For a few hours, everyone is invited to adopt simple new habits to change their consumption patterns and collectively contribute to a more balanced use of electricity on the island,” the group stresses.
For the record, Saint-Barthélemy is experiencing sustained growth in electricity consumption, around 9% per year, with peaks reaching up to 22 MW in the middle of the day. Pending the new power plant, capacity is now limited on the island. EDF states: “At the conclusion of this trial, the EDF teams working on the project will analyze the collected data to assess the system’s effectiveness and the power savings achieved. The lessons learned will help evaluate the value of this type of solution in enhancing the resilience of Saint-Barthélemy’s electrical system.”
For any questions, customers can contact EDF’s customer service by phone (0590 29 80 81), Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and until 5 p.m. on the day of the trial.
