-Amid growing energy demand

-by Celestine Chacon

The Guyana Power and Light (GPL) is reporting significant growth in its customer base, reflecting the country’s expanding energy needs.

GPL ended 2025 with 244,000 customers, a 51 percent increase over the past five years.

The figures were disclosed by Chief Executive Officer Kesh Nandlall during a Public Utilities Commission (PUC) hearing reviewing GPL’s performance. With demand continuing to rise, peak power requirements are projected to reach 286 megawatts in 2026, with long-term increases expected as development accelerates.

“To meet that increased in demand, we have added 186.2 megawatts of  electricity, of supply of firm capacity into our grid from 2020-2025,” he said.

The company has also tapped into renewable energy resources with 20.85 MW completed and commissioned.

“We have added 18 megawatts and more to the grid, including 10 megawatts of solar in Berbice, and 8 megawatts in on the Essequibo coast and we have in Bartica 1.5 mw , we have the solar farm in Wakenaam and we have commissioned one in leguan for 600 Kilowatt under construction in Linden we have 15 MG of solar at 3 sites,” he noted.

Beyond generation, the company is improving customer service through upgrades to its website, expanded payment options and additional point-of-sale locations.

The PUC’s review of GPL’s operational standards and performance targets forms part of its regulatory oversight under the company’s amended licence.