-Jagdeo expresses lack of confidence in current management

TO ensure a stable and modern electricity grid, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo said on Thursday that there is need for stronger management at the Guyana Power and Light (GPL).

He told reporters during a press conference at Freedom House, Georgetown that his government has major plans for transformation, but he does not think that the current management can lead that process.

Dr. Jagdeo who also serves as Guyana’s Vice President explained: “With the massive plan for transformation, I don’t think the current management can lead that process, that they can address all the issues and our plans…Our plans are massive to have a stable grid, smart grid…”

The VP indicated that earlier in the day, GPL officials told him that the day’s power outage was a result of lightning. Georgetown and communities in its environs were affected. In some cases, residents were without power for several hours.

Meanwhile, to modernise and stabilise the power grid, the government is building mega power distribution towers, a brand-new distribution system and with the Wales gas-to-energy programme coming on stream, this will also complement the system.

The gas-to-energy project has been touted as a major milestone in the country’s development.

Last year, Dr. Jagdeo noted that the initiative would deliver enormous financial savings and energy benefits to citizens once completed.

The anticipated savings would stem from a major reduction in electricity rates with the price of electricity set to reduce from $0.22 per kilowatt hour to $0.11 per kilowatt hour, halving the cost.

This substantial drop in rates is expected to alleviate financial pressures on both households and businesses. The reduction is expected to provide a direct economic benefit, boosting the financial well-being of Guyanese citizens by lowering their utility bills.

This measure could have a ripple effect, stimulate greater economic activity and improving overall living standards.

The benefits of this project go beyond cheaper electricity. It was highlighted that there could be additional revenue potential from gas liquids extracted during the process.