By Kristin Josiah, NCN News – December 28, 2024
The Guyana Power and Light Incorporated (GPL) has sufficient power generation capacity to meet the national grid demands, eliminating concerns over potential outages due to insufficient supply.
According to PPP General Secretary and Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, GPL’s generation capacity now exceeds 200 megawatts, with a reserve of 67 megawatts, which ensures a stable supply of electricity.
Dr. Jagdeo explained that the Demerara Berbice Interconnected System (DBIS) has a total capacity of 267 megawatts, with peak demand typically around 200 megawatts.
A significant contributor to this increased generation capacity is the addition of two power ships that are now connected to the national grid.
Looking ahead, Dr. Jagdeo emphasized that the next step for GPL is enhancing its grid system.
He noted the current challenge of lacking redundancy in the power supply network, particularly with a single line stretching from Georgetown to Berbice.
To address this, GPL is working on a Grid Improvement System, which includes the installation of a 230-kilovolt-amperes line to transmit electricity from Georgetown to Linden.
Furthermore, Dr. Jagdeo revealed that millions of dollars are being invested to upgrade the country’s electricity distribution systems, with a $200 million tender underway for additional infrastructure development.
This comes after President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s statement that the management of GPL will be held accountable for any failure to improve the power supply system by 2025.