14 of 17 generators installed at GPL’s Columbia station; Prime Minister ‘satisfied’ with developments

As daily power outages continue across Guyana, Prime Minister Mark Phillips on Monday inspected the progress of the installation of 17 generators and six step-up transformers at the Guyana Power and Light’s (GPL) sub-station at Columbia, East Coast Demerara.

The US$27M equipment, acquired from Apan Energy Services, is expected to add an estimated 30 megawatts to the national grid.

To date, GPL has installed 14 of the 17 generators into the national grid. Engineers have indicated that the remaining high-powered systems are expected to go online within the coming days. The generators arrived in the country in December 2023.

A statement from the Office of the Prime Minister noted that Phillips, “expressed satisfaction with the developments while on site.”

He further stated, “Government remains committed to boosting GPL’s generation capacity and improving its overall service to the people of Guyana.”

Chief Executive Officer of GPL Kesh Nandlall, Divisional Director of Power Generation and Distribution Bharat Harjohn, Divisional Director of Safety, Health, Environmental Management and Operational Support Gary Hall, other officials of GPL and Members of Apan Energy Services team were also on site.

Meanwhile, numerous power outages throughout March continued into April, prompting public outrage. According to GPL, system failures at Kingston, Georgetown and Garden of Eden, East Bank Demerara, locations caused the countrywide power outages.

Recently, President Irfaan Ali met with GPL’s management to address the frequent power outages. However, despite efforts, power outages continue with daily advisories from the utility company.

Last week, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo also acknowledged the challenging situation and assured Guyanese that the government is working to resolve GPL’s woes.

In the short term, Jagdeo stated that the government plans to buy 40 to 80 megawatts of power to meet increasing demand until the massive 300 MW Gas-to-Energy project comes on-stream at Wales, West Bank Demerara.