Guyana Power and Light (GPL) has reported widespread damage to its Transmission and Distribution (T&D) structures in Demerara, Berbice and Essequibo after the recent unusually high winds and heavy rainfall.
According to a GPL release yesterday, at approximately 5:05 am on Wednesday, the L16 Transmission Line which links the Sophia and Good Hope substations tripped when a tree fell on the structure. Additionally, the L 22 Transmission Line in Berbice was knocked out of service by fallen trees and poles. Further, several medium and low voltage distribution power lines were damaged due to the heavy winds and fallen trees.
Emergency teams were dispatched to assess the damage and conduct remedial works. Incremental restoration continued following the completion of the major remedial works until the final area was repowered at approximately 7 pm.
Meanwhile, the main primary line and structures on the Essequibo Coast suffered the same fate as they were also damaged by flying debris (zinc sheets) and fallen trees at around 5:45 am as a result of the extreme weather. Remedial works were carried out and following completion, all areas were repowered by approximately 10:30 am.
GPL apologised to its customers for the inconvenience caused and assured that it will continue to improve its generation and T&D Systems to further enhance reliability and resilience.
