–Nandlall says; points to ongoing efforts to ensure stable supply is maintained ahead of holiday season

AS Guyana’s energy mix continues to be expanded and diversified, acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL), Kesh Nandlall, has said that the introduction of more solar power to the system would further reduce fuel consumption and costs.
Nandlall, in an invited comment to the Guyana Chronicle, said: “Right now through our Guyana Guysol programme, [agreement that is signed with Norway], we have 33 megawatts of solar energy that is going to be added to the DBIS [Demerara-Berbice Interconnected System] and Linden.”

While the 33 megawatts of electricity are set to be distributed in Linden, Essequibo, and Berbice, the acting CEO said that full activation will take some time.
Nandlall shared the breakdown of the 33 megawatts of electricity, noting 10 megawatts will be added to Berbice, eight megawatts to Essequibo, and 15 megawatts to Linden.

This will supplement ongoing efforts to satisfy the growing demand of electricity, driven by Guyana’s economic boom.
Nandlall related that they have advertised and tendered out for 60 megawatts of electricity, which would take company over to 2025, when the Gas-to-Energy project is expected to come on stream.

HOLIDAY EXPECTATIONS
Specifically regarding the upcoming holiday season, the acting CEO said that great efforts are underway to ensure that Guyanese have a joyful and safe time with their families, with little to no power disruptions.
Recognising that persons would be using more electricity during the Christmas season, Nandlall pleaded with persons to ensure that they do so in a safe and responsible manner so as to avoid the overloading of circuits, which can lead to electrical fires, power outages, and even fatalities.

According to him: “Our aim is to have more generations in place so that we can meet the need for any additional increase in demand.”
Last month, Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, who holds responsibility for the energy sector, presided over a high-level discussion with important players in the country’s power sector, where he discussed the vital concerns of guaranteeing the country’s adequate and consistent power supply throughout short-, medium-, and long-term timeframes in his talks on strategic planning for energy.

The Prime Minister also gave thorough briefings where he provided in-depth discussions on all facets of electricity regarding production and delivery.
Prime Minister Phillips, along with the Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, emphasised the need to keep the Guyanese people’s energy supply steady and adequate in orders given to the gathered power sector organisations.

The meeting was attended by senior representatives from Guyana Power and Light (GPL), Power Producers and Distributors Incorporated (PPDI), Hinterland Electrification Company Inc. (HECCI), and Guyana Energy Agency (GEA), among other major power producing and distribution institutions.
Also in attendance were Alfred King, Permanent Secretary of the Office of the Prime Minister; Dr. Mahender Sharma, CEO of the GEA and technical personnel from each agency.