GPL says grid upgrades will ease blackouts, handle Gas-to-Energy power

(Kaieteur News) – The frequent blackouts being experienced by customers over the past few months will soon be alleviated as new infrastructure to modernise the electricity grid comes on stream, Team Lead at the Guyana Power and Light Incorporated (GPL), Kesh Nandlall, said on Sunday.

Speaking to the hosts of the Starting Point Podcast, Nandlall addressed a range of issues, including GPL’s readiness to handle the 300MW expected to come fully on-stream next year from the Gas-to-Energy (GTE) project, maintenance of generating sets and how the company plans to meet the country’s rapidly growing demand for electricity.

He noted that peak electricity demand, which stood at 125MW in 2020, has more than doubled to 255MW six years later. Despite the sharp increase in demand, Nandlall said the distribution system has not changed significantly, resulting in pressure on the existing network.