Guyana taking steps to boost power supply as El Niño drives record electricity demand

GEORGETOWN, Guyana, CMC – Guyana is taking a series of measures to strengthen electricity supply as unusually high temperatures associated with El Niño drive demand to record levels.

Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips said on Friday that prolonged hot and dry conditions had resulted in an unusual peak in electricity consumption, placing additional pressure on the national power grid.

He said the Government is 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,” Phillips said.

Public Utilities and Aviation Minister Deodat Indar said electricity demand had recently reached a record 242.64 megawatts (MW), compared with a peak of 221 MW during the corresponding period last year.

He said demand is projected to rise to approximately 266 MW during August, September and October, driven by higher temperatures, housing expansion, and increased commercial and industrial activity.

“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,” Indar said.

To meet the projected demand, the Government is working to increase available generation capacity to approximately 280 MW by the end of August.

Indar said an additional 5 MW from the power ship is also expected to come online before the end of the month.

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

The Government is also engaging sawmill operators to encourage them to schedule operations outside peak electricity demand periods, particularly between 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.

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

Indar said GPL is closely monitoring demand and generation over the coming months as Guyana navigates the hotter-than-normal conditions.

The measures are intended to help maintain a reliable electricity supply as demand continues to rise during the hotter months.

Follow The Gleaner on X, formerly Twitter, and Instagram @JamaicaGleaner and on Facebook @GleanerJamaica. Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169 or email us at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com or editors@gleanerjm.com.