– new distribution line activated

THE Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) energised a new 13,800 Volts Express Feeder (distribution line) from Vriesland to the Vreed-en-Hoop (VEH) Power Plant, a distance of over 16 kilometers on Wednesday.

This project was executed at a cost of $76,955,765 and will bring significant benefits to residents and businesses on the West Bank Demerara, a release from GPL said.
These benefits include, but are not limited to, reduced frequency and duration of service interruptions, improved voltage quality and reliable electricity supply.

Additionally, this project has commenced the utilisation of concrete pole structures for the first time within the Demerara-Berbice Interconnected System (DBIS). This new development is associated with multiple benefits which are to be accrued over time.

Prior to the installation of the feeder, power supply to customers on the West Bank of Demerara was supported by the importation of approximately three MW from the Garden-of-Eden (GOE) Power Plant via the Craig to Vriesland submarine cable link. This is despite having adequate capacity at the VEH station of approximately 14 MW, which is exported to the East Bank of Demerara.

The main reason for this was the inadequacy of having a single feeder from the VEH power plant to Vriesland. This project will also add flexibility to the interconnected system whereby power can be exported from the West Bank Demerara to the East Bank Demerara via an alternative route provided by the new distribution line.

The release said the new distribution line will enable improved reliability of service, improved voltage quality, reduced reliance on imported power from East Bank Demerara and reduced system loss.

The project represents the first phase of a comprehensive programme to improve and expand power supply. Subsequent phases related to this project will include the installation of capacitors and voltage regulators on both feeders in the short term and the construction of a new 69 kV substation at Wales with connecting 69 kV lines to VEH and GOE. These initiatives will bring further benefits to customers on the West Bank, as well as the wider DBIS.