Govt to strengthen power supply as El Niño drives up electricity demand

The government is taking a series of measures to strengthen electricity supply as unusually high temperatures associated with El Niño continue to drive up electricity demand in the country.

During a press conference on Friday, at his office, Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips noted that the prolonged hot and dry weather has resulted in an unusual peak in electricity consumption, placing pressure on the national power grid.

He disclosed that the government is actively working with the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) to ensure sufficient generation capacity and reserves to meet the needs of households and businesses.

“Because of the El Niño Southern Oscillation, there is a phenomenon that results in unusual weather patterns throughout the world and, as it relates to Guyana, we are already experiencing an unusual dry season,” the PM said.

Meanwhile, Public Utilities and Aviation Minister Deodat Indar, who was also present, shared that electricity demand recently reached a record 242.64 megawatts, compared with a peak of 221 megawatts for the same period recorded last year.

The minister revealed that the demand is projected to rise to approximately 266 megawatts during August, September and October, driven by hotter weather, increased housing expansion, and the growing commercial and industrial operations.

“Now, the increase is due to one, the weather, the hotness of the temperature, increased housing expansion in the country, commercial operations, as well as industrial customers,” Minister Indar said.

To meet the projected demand, the government is working to increase available generation capacity to approximately 280 megawatts by the end of August this year.

Further, he added that an additional 5 megawatts from the power ship is expected to come online before the end of the month.

Other interventions include the return of a 4.5-megawatt engine to service and an additional 5.5-megawatt engine currently undergoing major overhaul.

Meanwhile, the government is also engaging sawmill operators to encourage operations outside peak electricity demand periods, particularly between 7 pm and 9 pm.

Government agencies will be asked to switch off internal lights and air-conditioning units after working hours.

Minister Indar also noted that GPL is closely monitoring demand and generation over the coming months as the country navigates the hotter-than-normal conditions.

The measures form part of the government’s wider effort to maintain a reliable electricity supply while responding to rising demand and continued development across the country. [DPI]