GPL assures it is working towards restoring power in the shortest possible time

THE Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) on Thursday night said that at 18:15 hrs a failed turbo charger caused the No. 9 Caterpillar Generating Engine to come offline.

Consequently, all of Bartica is without electricity at present, the power company said.

GPL stated that a team comprising of MACORP and GPL personnel are currently working to assess the damages, replace the damaged turbo charger and restore power in the shortest possible time.
GPL said it will be updating residents and the media as developments occur.

In an earlier press release GPL said that efforts to make the full capacity of the No. 9 Caterpillar set at Bartica available for distribution did not materialise as envisioned.
Bartica has been experiencing power outages for days and the power company added that the tripping of the main switch at less than maximum rated load was experienced even after a replacement switch was installed earlier on Wednesday.

Further investigation to determine the cause of the tripping outs is required, but cannot be pursued until the No. 8 comes online, GPL said.

A press release stated that the services of the local Caterpillar representative, MACORP, have been retained in an effort to identify and correct defects on the No. 8 as quickly as possible.

GPL said the establishment of a reliable supply from this unit will allow for taking the No. 9 offline to address the problem causing restriction to its available output.

It noted that given the restriction to full utilisation of the capacity of the unit in operation, GPL is constrained to institute load-shedding during both day and night. A comprehensive load shedding guide, designed to minimise inconvenience to residents in all areas, was issued on July 24, 2014.

GPL is, however, appealing for patience and understanding from the residents of Bartica as every effort is being made to restore a reliable uninterrupted power supply. Residents are also advised to check TARZIE television station for advisory notices.
For further information, customers are advised to contact the Public Relations Office on 225-1471 or 226-1323.

GPL said the No. 8 and No. 9 Caterpillar generating sets have over the last week experienced technical faults which caused these outages.

Recently, corrective repairs were performed on the No. 9 and that engine remains in service to date, although as of Monday last, “we were unable to utilise its full output because of a defective main switch.”

The power company added that a replacement switch was installed on Wednesday last, necessitating a total outage of approximately one hour. The No. 8 unit was placed in service for a short period on Wednesday night after repairs were effected to rectify mechanical faults identified and the completion of checks on the alternator. Unfortunately, the unit developed further mechanical problems, and repairs were expected to be completed yesterday(Friday).

In the interim, load shedding will be necessary during the peak hours of 17:30 hrs to 22:00 hrs.
These extended outages were unforeseen and GPL is reassuring residents that they remain committed to restoring reliable power and to continuously improve services. The latter half of this year will witness the commencement of preparatory works for a New 3 x 2 MW HFO fired power station at Bartica.