Guyana’s available electricity generation capacity has increased to 266.3 megawatts following the addition of 9.3 MW of new power, giving the Guyana Power and Light Inc. a larger reserve as authorities roll out additional generation and grid improvements across several regions.
The Ministry of Public Utilities and Aviation said available generation stood at 256 MW as of Friday, August 14, before the latest capacity was added.
With peak electricity demand now averaging between 235 MW and 240 MW, the additional generation gives GPL a reserve of up to 26.3 MW.
The ministry said government-led conservation measures, including efforts to reduce electricity consumption at public buildings and lighted sports grounds, have helped lower peak demand from the record 242.6 MW recorded last week.
Several additional interventions are being implemented across the country.
In Region 10, BOSAI is expected to supply an additional 3 MW to the Linden grid through two 1.5 MW generating sets. One is expected to be installed this week, while the second will be installed when it becomes available.
The additional power is expected to support the Linden grid during the peak demand periods of 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
In Region Four, 70 MW is currently being supplied by the powership, helping to stabilise the grid. Another 5 MW of generation capacity is expected to be added by August 30.
Meanwhile, the procurement process for an additional 8 MW of generation capacity in Region Two is in its final stage. Another 2 MW is expected to be added at Anna Regina with support from mining company GMI.
The additional capacity in Region Two will also allow GPL to undertake maintenance and overhauls on several smaller generating sets that have been operating beyond their recommended limits.
In Region Three, work is scheduled to begin Tuesday on the installation of an additional submarine cable across the Demerara River. The cable will run along the riverbed between the Princess Street and Vreed-en-Hoop substations and is expected to facilitate the transmission of an additional 7 MW of electricity.
GPL will also begin planting poles for its F5 Feeder, which distributes electricity from the Garden of Eden Substation to Timehri and communities along the Linden-Soesdyke Highway.
In Region Six, a 2.2 MW generating set has been installed to increase available generation in Berbice and help maintain voltage stability.
The ministry said the interventions form part of ongoing efforts with GPL to strengthen electricity generation, improve the transmission and distribution network and increase the reliability and resilience of the national grid as electricity demand continues to grow.
Authorities said further updates will be provided as additional interventions are implemented.