Press Release

Service Interruption and Generation Shortfall

4th September 2019

Georgetown, Guyana: Wednesday, September 4, 2019: The Guyana Power and Light Incorporated (GPL) remains committed to supplying reliable electricity supply to our valued customers. However, due to unforeseen occurrences and generation/operational issues, we are currently challenged with providing the required generation during peak demand.

On Tuesday, September 3, while a contactor was carrying out work on the Sheriff/Mandela Road Expansion project, one of GPL’s pole with two transformers was up-rooted by the contractor in the vicinity of Rubis Gas Station on Mandela Avenue. This resulted in a service interruption to a number of communities in South Georgetown, Queenstown and Lacytown.

GPL wishes to remind the general public to exercise caution when conducting works in close proximity to our infrastructure.

GENERATION SHORTFALL 

Our company is currently experiencing a shortfall in Generation in the Demerara-Berbice Interconnected System (DBIS) as follows:

  • BERBICE

Due to a defective transformer at our Onverwagt, Berbice Substation, we are unable to export 6.9 MW of power to the Demerara-Berbice Interconnected System. Additionally, a 5.5 MW generator at the Canefield Power Plant is unavailable because of scheduled maintenance.

  • DEMERARA

At the Kingston Power Plant, a 6.9 MW unit is unavailable due to a defective alternator, which had to be sourced overseas. The alternator has arrived, and repairs are expected to be completed by the end of the week. Thereafter the unit will return to operation by Monday, September 9, 2019.

At the Garden-of-Eden power station, a 4MW is unavailable as we are awaiting the arrival of replacement parts for the defective components.

MITIGATION EFFORTS

Our company is aggressively injecting efforts to ensure all units are returned to operation in the shortest possible time. However, with a deficit of approximately 23 MW, customers in Demerara and Berbice will experience periods of service disruptions. Notices and public advisories will be published to inform and prepare customers.

GPL apologises for the inconvenience caused.