GPL probes ‘root cause’ of system shutdown that resulted in widespread blackout

See below full statement issued by GPL:

The Guyana Power and Light Inc (GPL) is currently conducting a comprehensive investigation to determine the root cause of the Demerara-Berbice Interconnected System (DBIS) shutdown that occurred on Tuesday, June 1, 2021.

On Tuesday, June 1, 2021, GPL’s Kingston Power Plant experienced a significant loss of generation which trigged a shutdown of the DBIS.

During restoration efforts, there were two unsuccessful attempts to restore the system at 11:23 hrs and 11:51 hrs respectively.

The generating units were subsequently returned to operation at approximately 12:13 hrs, restoring incremental service to customers in Demerara and Berbice.  All areas were repowered at approximately 14:00 hrs.

Subsequent to the repowering of all areas the Generating Units at the Kingston Power Plant tripped at approximately 15:00 hrs and 16:12 hrs respectively.

The sudden loss of generation affected service to some customers in Georgetown, East Bank Demerara and West Coast Demerara. These areas were repowered at approximately 16:36 hrs.

An investigation into the generator trip at 16:12 hrs revealed a fault in the plant’s emergency shutdown system. The fault was subsequently corrected.

Our company remains cognizant of the inconveniences associated with these service interruptions and offers sincere apologies to our customers.