The Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) and Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Incorporated held their inaugural meeting last Thursday to launch the Demand Side Management (DSM) Programme, a collaborative initiative aimed at promoting energy efficiency, encouraging conservation, and reducing overall electricity demand.
Demand side management is a strategic approach to managing consumer electricity use by encouraging adjustments in how and when power is consumed, rather than expanding generation capacity.
The programme is designed to improve electricity usage, lower overall consumption across Guyana, prevent grid overload, strengthen system stability, and reduce emissions from the power sector.
In a press release issued on Tuesday, the GEA noted that a key focus is the adoption of energy-efficient equipment and the optimization of existing appliances to reduce electricity consumption without affecting consumer comfort.
This includes promoting inverter air conditioners and refrigerators, replacing outdated high-energy devices, and encouraging the purchase of Energy Star-rated appliances, all of which can lower energy costs for consumers.
“Technical personnel from both agencies concurred that there is significant potential for demand side management to improve energy efficiency and encourage more responsible energy consumption,” the release stated.
Additionally, the programme will facilitate energy audits and assessments in collaboration with relevant authorities, particularly within the business sector.
These audits will identify opportunities to improve energy use, cut costs, and reinvest savings into operations. Power factor correction initiatives will also be implemented to enhance efficiency among high-demand users and strengthen overall grid performance.
“Small-, medium-, and large-scale consumers and businesses will be educated and advised on these measures, with the utility company playing a key role in supporting, guiding, and enforcing corrective actions to ensure maximum demand customers maintain an acceptable power factor,” the press release added.
The initaitive will also promote the use of renewable energy sources, bringing awareness to consumers and encouraging them to adopt grid-tied solar photovoltaic (PV) systems for their households and businesses. The same will be applied to first-time homeowners applying for electricity, to help meet growing energy needs and drive long-term behavioural change.
The release explained that grid-tied systems connect directly to GPL’s network, and excess energy is exported to the grid. Under the Net-Billing Programme, customers receive credits for surplus electricity supplied to the grid, providing a financial incentive for renewable energy adoption while helping to manage electricity costs.
Customers with these installations, known as “Prosumers,” enter into a Standard Offer Contract (SOC) with GPL, which outlines the terms and conditions of the arrangement. Under this agreement, GPL compensates Prosumers for excess energy exported to the grid.
Chief Executive Officer of GEA, Dr. Mahender Sharma said that the programme provides a structured approach to developing a sustained and comprehensive consumer electricity demand management framework.
CEO of GPL, Kesh Nandlall, added that the collaboration is timely and will help drive behavioural change among consumers while advancing the transition to renewable energy.
Aligned with Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030, the DSM Programme supports the development of a sustainable, low-carbon energy sector by improving efficiency and strengthening grid performance. Its implementation positions the utility to better manage electricity supply and demand, while guiding consumers toward more sustainable and environmentally responsible energy practices.