Latest update May 16th, 2024 12:59 AM
Sep 13, 2009 News
…consumers to get relief from Wednesday
By Fareeza Haniff
Following weeks of continuous power outages on the West Coast of Demerara and on the East Bank of Essequibo, consumers are expected to get significant relief as the Guyana Power and Light Company (GPL) is currently working to increase the generation capacity at its Versailles Power Station, West Bank Demerara.
At a press conference held yesterday at its news office in Duke Street, Kingston, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GPL, Bharrat Dindyal, told media operatives that since August 11th, the power demand on the West Coast has exceeded the allowable capacity on the feeder.
However, he noted that the situation has now further deteriorated, in that power demand during the day requires the use of 5Megawatts (MW) of generating capacity at Versailles rather than the usual 3MW.
He explained that since last Sunday evening, the Versailles Power Station has been unable to supply the peak power demand on the West Coast.
“In fact, the power demand increases so rapidly during the evening peak that the entire West Coast has had to be interrupted initially,” Dindyal said.
According to the CEO, the ultimate solution to the problem is to extend the 69KV transmission system to deliver bulk power to both Versailles and Edinburgh.
This would eventually allow the West Coast to be served by three feeders rather than one, which is what occurs currently. This solution, Dindyal said, is part of the transmission plan that would be implemented with Chinese financing in 2010.
Meanwhile, to deal with the present situation, and to provide a short-term solution, GPL will increase the generating capacity at Versailles, while they would also reinforce the connection with Garden-of-Eden to allow greater power transfer.
In this regard, Dindyal said that by Wednesday, GPL is expected to relocate a 1.6MW Caterpillar Unit from Sophia to increase the generating capacity at Versailles to 7.5MW and by Thursday, the company is also expected to return a 1.2 MW Cat Unit to service.
“The total capacity of 8.7MW would allow us to meet the peak demand on the West Coast,” he stated.
Dindyal added that in order to ensure that additional power can be sent from Garden-of-Eden to reinforce generation capacity at Versailles, voltage-regulating equipment will be installed at Vriesland, on the West Bank of Demerara, by Friday.
“We will also install a third voltage regulator at Leonora to increase the voltage boost capability there from 10% to 15% by the same date. In addition, increase the capability of the voltage regulator at Leonora and also increase the generation capacity at Versailles by 2.8 megawatts. It will have an immediate impact and the situation will improve.”
Dindyal cautioned that while these interventions will greatly improve GPL’s ability to meet the peak demand on the West Coast, consumers must be aware that the power company still has to contend with the capacity of the lone feeder serving the area being exceeded.
In this regard, he urged for consumers to conserve electricity and reduce demand.
The CEO noted that during the day, it was possible for GPL to power the entire West Demerara with about 3MW capacity, which was supported through assistance from the link at Garden of Eden.
However, since last Sunday this has changed and according to Dindyal, it was observed yesterday morning that with three machines online, which amounted to 4MW, GPL was unable to supply the power on the West Coast.
“We understand the situation in that we are going through a very dry spell and we are seeing a very significant increase in demand during the day.”
U.S. Fighter Jets and U.K. War Ships coming to protect Guyanese
May 16, 2024
By Rawle Toney Kaieteur Sports – The Golden Jaguars concluded their two-match friendly series against the Soca Warriors with a 2-0 loss last evening at the Hasely Crawford Stadium. The first...Kaieteur News – Not long ago, a father, with the responsibility of providing for his family, set off on his usual route... more
By Sir Ronald Sanders Is it ever justifiable for journalism to fan the flames of geopolitical tension? This question arises... more
Freedom of speech is our core value at Kaieteur News. If the letter/e-mail you sent was not published, and you believe that its contents were not libellous, let us know, please contact us by phone or email.
Feel free to send us your comments and/or criticisms.
Contact: 624-6456; 225-8452; 225-8458; 225-8463; 225-8465; 225-8473 or 225-8491.
Or by Email: [email protected] / [email protected]