Government has budgeted US$21.2M ($4.2B) for the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) to increase the reliability and efficiency of its operations through better power generating capacity and an upgraded transmission and distribution network.
This is according to Minister of Finance Dr Ashni Singh during his budget presentation in the National Assembly on Friday. He said that GPL will acquire an additional 20 megawatts of generating capacity utilising the more economical heavy fuel oil and upgrade the transmission line between Skeldon and the No. 53 Village power station to allow full utilisation of the new power generated by Guysuco.
Dr Singh said that other initiatives in the programme include the implementation of a new customer information system, the continuation of the meter replacement programme, and the introduction of new metering technology.
According to the Minister, in the area of hinterland electrification, the demonstration pilot projects which commenced in 2007 will be completed and assessed to determine lessons learnt to assist with the implementation of additional projects.
He said also that an amount of $220M has been provided to purchase a diesel electrification system for Port Kaituma, construct distribution systems for Orealla and Siparuta, and install solar panels in hinterland communities, among other works.