The nine-member Board of Directors of the Power Producer & Distributors Inc. (PPDI) which is replacing Wärtsilä, was this morning, (Tuesday, April 4, 2017), officially installed.
During a simple ceremony at the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Mark Bender, Chairman, Arron Fraser, Chief Executive Officer of PPDI and Secretary, Ronald Burch-Smith were installed. Other members are Verlyn Klass, Stephen Fraser, Amanza Walton-Desir, Permanent Secretary of MPI, Mr. Geoffrey Vaughn and Mr. Harryram Parmesar.
The board provides for a member of the Parliamentary Opposition. However, this post is currently vacant since the Opposition is yet to name a representative.
The state-owned company was established to provide operation and maintenance services to the Guyana Power and Light Incorporated (GPL Inc.) after its contract with Wärtsilä came to an end in 2016.
Chairman of the Board, Bender, indicated his pleasure in the company having gained the experience of Wärtsilä through its capacity. He also said that satisfactory electricity supply is a key component of development and pledged his commitment to his duty, while employing best practices, in service to the people of Guyana.
In his charge to the board members, Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, expressed confidence in the PPDI and in its ability to maintain the high standards set by its predecessor in delivering a cost-efficient service.
The Minster says the state-owned company will ensure an estimated saving of US$3.73 per MW or US$2.4M per year, based on a consumption of 650,000 MW.
The PPDI is manned by a 100% Guyanese workforce. It must be noted that the operations and maintenance activities were completed by an entirely local team over the last two years.
Minister Patterson said “without any doubt, government is confident that PPDI can maintain the high standards set by its predecessor – delivering a cost-efficient service and matching all key performance indicators (heat rate, availability and lube oil consumption). These key performance indicators will be an integral part of the operations and maintenance agreement between PPDI and GPL.”
The newly installed board is expected to meet shortly to discuss important plans and chart a course for PPDI’s success.
