…says ready to cooperate, encourages members to take advantage

THE private sector is ready to fuel the needs of the Guyana Power and Light Inc (GPL) by supplying power to the grid.

In order to remedy the shortfalls in power generation, GPL through the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, is moving to amend a section of the power company’s licence, to allow the purchasing of power from external sources.

In local newspapers on Sunday, a notice signed by Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, stated that GPL’s licence restricts the company from purchasing power from any person other than an Independent Power Producer (IPP) which produces power from renewable energy sources.

The IPP also does not include businesses whose main business is not the generation of power and which supply no more than 10 megawatts (MW).
While the legal and regulatory modalities are being completed, the board also authorised GPL to commence inviting Expressions of Interest (EoIs) from other potential power providers with immediately available generation capacity.

GPL’s decision has so far been welcomed by the Private Sector Commission (PSC) and the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA).
President of the GMSA, Clinton Williams, said the association is interested and ready to get its members on board with GPL’s initiative.

“Even if they (businesses) do not have the capacity, we will go out and get it,” said Williams, adding that the association is prepared to do whatever it can to either make energy more efficient or provide reliable energy.

Power generation has always been an issue of concern for the GMSA, since the cost profile and energy costs rank high for manufacturing and engineering
“We are prepared to do whatever we can to either make energy more efficient or provide reliable energy because it will ensure that we have development in our work programmes,” said Williams.

He said the benefits of companies supplying GPL with power, will be immense. It will ensure that there is a sufficient supply of power to meet the demand of businesses and it will also result in a reduction in the cost of production.
In addition to forming partnerships for the provision of power, Williams believes that GPL should explore the idea of getting businesses involved in product support and maintenance.
Williams’ idea was also supported by the PSC. Chairman of the PSC, Gerry Gouveia, said the GPL’s decision to seek power providers, is something which the commission welcomes with open arms.

“We have always advocated for this so we welcome it…power is always reliable and reliable power is always a plus… so we will be encouraging our members to express their interest and also cooperate with GPL,” said Gouveia.

With businesses ready to step up to the task, GPL has moved closer to finalising a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with MCG Investments Inc (Giftland Mall).
In line with the government’s vision to enhance the generating and reserve capacity of GPL and to meet the needs of its customers, the new Board of Directors of GPL has considered the proposal from Giftland Mall to enter into a PPA.

“In furtherance of its consideration, the Board authorised GPL to move forward efforts to finalise a PPA Agreement with MCG Investments Inc. that met the needs and interests of the company. The Board also instructed GPL Inc. to ensure all of the legal and regulatory modalities were satisfied,” said GPL.

A concerned citizen, Jennifer Persaud, sees GPL’s solution to its shortfalls as a “band-aid,” solution, but she is happy that Giftland’s management can assist and that GPL is trying to alleviate the issue.

“I foresee it might open a can of worms. It is a 50/50 feeling for me…I think we should invest in renewable energy. Yes, it is expensive, but in the long term, it will be beneficial to both man and our planet,” said Persaud, adding that like other Guyanese, she hopes for the best in dealing with GPL.

When asked if other businesses have signaled their interest, Chairman of GPL Rawle Lucas said he has not been updated as yet.