by Josiah Williams
General Secretary of the ruling party, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, announced that by next month, Guyana Power and Light Incorporated (GPL) will see an addition of 28 megawatts to its electricity capacity, promising improved reliability for consumers.
The country can anticipate a significant enhancement in reliable electricity supply as all 28 megawatts of recently acquired power are set to be integrated into the grid by March.
Dr. Jagdeo explained that while the generators were initially expected to be operational in February, they encountered procurement delays.
Nevertheless, approximately ten megawatts have already been successfully brought online, with the remaining 18 megawatts slated for commissioning over the course of this month and the first week of March, as per GPL’s schedule.
This $27 million investment will see the generators installed at the Columbia substation, offering much-needed relief to both residential consumers and businesses alike.
Dr. Jagdeo elaborated on the decision-making process behind the investment, highlighting that purchasing power from a contractor would have been economically unfeasible.
Instead, the government opted to procure the units with the intention of redeployment once the gas-to-energy project becomes operational.
These 1.5 megawatt units provide flexibility, allowing for deployment to areas not currently connected to the grid.
With approximately 224,000 customers and a current demand of 172 megawatts, GPL is currently generating 167 megawatts.
The addition of 28 megawatts will significantly alleviate strain on the system, reducing the occurrence of power outages across the country.
As Guyana moves towards bolstering its energy infrastructure, this initiative underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring a stable and reliable electricity supply for its citizens and businesses.