A $13.2 million power generation facility was, on Saturday, commissioned at White Water, Region One (Barima-Waini), from which 96 households will be receiving reliable electricity for the first time.

The facility was officially commissioned by the Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal who was accompanied by Regional Chairman, Brentnol Ashley.

In the 2022 budget, the government allocated $29.4 billion for the energy sector. This allocation has been touted as one of the first steps to rapidly accelerate Guyana’s transition to cleaner sources of energy, while boosting its capacity to meet the growing demand for affordable and stable electricity over the next five years.

Several hinterland areas can expect to benefit significantly from this allocation as over $450 million has been budgeted for the expansion and upgrading of the hinterland electrification and power generation capacity, through the purchase of generators and the expansion of distribution lines.

Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), in particular, is set to see an increase in energy production.

Also, over $170 million has been budgeted for the completion of the 150KW hydropower scheme at Kato, and 30,000 photovoltaic home systems for hinterland and riverine areas.

The government has contended that this solar mini-grid and off-grid solutions are the country’s most viable options to ensure unserved and underserved hinterland regions are energised.

Meanwhile, the government, throughout 2022, will be distributing and installing, for free, over 22,000 LED bulbs and over 12,000 LED tubes at homes, business places and government buildings at Bartica, Linden, Leguan, and Wakenaam.

The initiative, which is part of the government’s plans to reduce the country’s carbon footprint, is anticipated to remove over 500 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions from the environment.