In a significant development over the weekend, Guyana Power and Light (GPL) has successfully increased its generating capacity, now surpassing the country’s electricity demand, according to the Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar.
The recent addition of new generators has elevated GPL’s capacity from 167 megawatts to an impressive 180 megawatts. This enhancement follows a period of load-shedding necessitated by the lower capacity. Minister Indar highlighted that the capacity is set to rise even further in the coming days as additional generators are slated to be switched on, contributing an additional 28.9 megawatts to the national grid.
As of Wednesday, Minister Indar reported that five out of seventeen engines have been successfully installed, with three of them scheduled to go online soon. These installations are part of a larger effort, with engines being set up in groups of five. Indar expressed optimism about the smooth progress of the works, emphasizing the need to test the engines to ensure reliable power supply in case of increased demand in the coming days.
The minister noted a recent decrease in peak demand, with figures dropping from 165 megawatts in the past weeks to around 155 megawatts during the Christmas holiday. With the current generating capacity at 180 megawatts, there is a surplus of reliable power, providing a buffer against peak demand fluctuations.
Indar revealed that the installation of new engines at the Colombia, Mahaicony, and East Coast Demerara substations is underway, with contractors working tirelessly to meet the January 15, 2024 deadline. The shipment of 76 containers, including generators, transformers, radiators, fuel, and oil separators from Apan Energy, arrived on December 13, after facing some delays related to the Panama Canal.
The $27 million equipment is a crucial investment aimed at strengthening GPL’s capacity to meet and exceed the growing electricity demand in Guyana. As the country continues to invest in its power infrastructure, these developments mark a positive step towards ensuring a stable and reliable energy supply for its citizens.
