GPL 69kV submarine cable restored

The 69kV submarine cable which transfers power from the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Incorporated Vreed-en-Hoop, West Bank Demerara (WBD) sub-station to the Kingston, Georgetown power plant is back in operation.

GPL said the cable which was damaged in June and August by vessels traversing the Demerara River, has been fixed.

The armor and insulation protection of the cable was first damaged in June and then another part was damaged in August, causing major blackouts across the coast.

The power company says following its return to operation, approximately 14 Megawatt (MW) of power is being supplied to the Eastern Section of the Demerara-Berbice Interconnected System (DBIS).

Repairs were carried out by China National Machinery Import & Export Corporation (CMC), the company that laid the cable in 2012.

GPL said it has requested the assistance of the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) to advise Mariners to exercise caution when operating in close proximity of the cable.

The power company on October 12 said to avoid such recurrence, the cable will be reburied in the Demerara River to a depth of approximately 15 feet.