President Ali: Major investments coming to modernise GPL, power grid

President Dr. Irfaan Ali has announced that the government will embark on a series of multi-million-dollar investments to modernise the operations of the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) and build a full-scale smart grid capable of meeting the country’s growing energy demands.

Speaking at his first press conference of his second term on Tuesday, President Ali underscored that smart grid transformation is no longer optional but necessary, given Guyana’s rapid economic growth and the expansion of industrial, commercial, and residential developments.

“These investments require technical expertise and support. GPL has outlined a number of major projects that we must invest in if we are to build a modern, reliable, and competitive electricity network,” the President said.

The planned upgrades include:

• Transmission and distribution expansion with double-circuit transmission lines and new primary distribution lines across several regions, expected to cost more than US$400 million.

• New substations and smart distribution equipment valued at over US$300 million, to improve efficiency and reliability.

• Addressing issues with the underground cable between Vreed-en-Hoop and Kingston, ensuring it is adequately protected and buried deep enough to prevent disruption.

• Integration of the Gas-to-Energy project, which will supply cheaper, more reliable power to the national grid.

• Development of advanced metering infrastructure and a National Control Centre to enhance real-time monitoring and management.

• Interconnection with Linden through the expanded Demerara-Berbice Interconnected System (DBIS), alongside the construction of new distribution substations at Bamia, McKenzie, and Wismar.

• Finalising an investment plan for transmission and distribution networks along the Linden-Soesdyke Highway, a critical growth corridor.

• Installation of smart meters and smart switches to give customers more accurate billing and reduce electricity losses.

President Ali said GPL has already begun finalising arrangements to implement these projects, with the goal of delivering a modernised electricity infrastructure capable of supporting Guyana’s ambitious development agenda.

“We are talking about investments in the hundreds of millions of US dollars. These projects will bring Guyana closer to a smart grid system—one that is reliable, resilient, and able to power the country’s transformation,” the President explained.

The initiatives form part of the wider national energy strategy, which includes the landmark Gas-to-Energy project at Wales, aimed at slashing electricity costs by up to 50% while reducing dependence on imported fuel.

President Ali stressed that the modernisation of the power grid is central to Guyana’s ability to attract investment, expand industries, and improve the quality of life for citizens. “Modernising our electricity infrastructure is about competitiveness, resilience, and ensuring every Guyanese benefits from reliable power,” he noted.