The Guyana Power and Light (GPL) has said that it is in the process of acquiring equipment to provide 24-hour electricity service to the Essequibo islands.
In a press release, GPL said it was cognisant of the demand in growth in Essequibo and is in the process of obtaining one new 4MW HFO-fired base load unit for Anna Regina; one new 2MW HFO-fired unit for Bartica, which will be sited in a different location from the existing power plant far from residential areas; and three new 500KW sets for Leguan and Wakenaam which will significantly boost the quality of power supply and enable the these islands to enjoy a 24-hour service.
Recently, the company did a complete engine overhaul of its Wartsila Generating Plants, which are working within normal capacity. A third Caterpillar set is also available for emergencies should the Wartsila sets malfunction, GPL said. The statement was issued in response to a letter published in the Guyana Times, under the headline, ‘The people in Essequibo have lost confidence in GPL.’
GPL also said that as it had previously indicated, despite several advisories aired nationwide, kites flown near to its distribution networks became entangled and caused power outages, inconveniencing large sections of the populace. These problems were experienced countrywide and not restricted to Essequibo, it pointed out.
