Two major power failures experienced on Friday, were the result of system disturbances to the Demerara-Berbice Interconnected System, caused by the short-circuiting of the Kingston transformer, the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) has reported.
“At approximately 11:24 hrs yesterday [Friday], there was a system disturbance in the Demerara-Berbice Interconnected System (DBIS) which was due to a short circuit fault on one of our transformers at the Kingston Substation. This resulted in an immediate loss of over 35 MW of generating capacity at the Kingston and tripping of the LS 6 submarine cable,” GPL noted, adding that the loss of generation exceeded their reserves, and caused a “cascading trip of other generation stations and transmission lines”.
It was further noted that while attempting to restore the system, around 12:29 hrs, there was a total shutdown of the DBIS due to technical issues experienced with the generating equipment at the Kingston plant. Thereafter, around 12:38 hrs, efforts began to restore the connection and by 14:45 hrs, all areas had been repowered, GPL reported.
The company apologised for the disturbances, and noted that steps have already been taken to ensure a long-term solution to strengthen the stability of the network. In the meantime, GPL acknowledged that it is making every effort in the short-term to maintain a stable supply.
“Our company is aware of the issues associated with the current configuration at the Kingston plant and have taken steps to strengthen the stability of the network…Funding was approved from the Islamic Development Bank …to upgrade Kingston and Vreed-en-Hoop Substations and rehabilitate 153 Kilometers of Distribution Network. Additionally, a loan was secured from the Inter-American Development Bank … to build an additional transmission line between the Kingston and Sophia Substations,” the company related.
It added that in accordance with IDB procedures, they are in the process of procuring consultancies for the design and work supervision of both projects.
