Some GPL engines taken out for servicing – Luncheon

Nov 13, 2009 News

Government says that recent blackouts, despite the commissioning of three new Wartsila engines, may be blamed on a number of engines being taken out of service to cater for the increased load during Christmas.
According to Cabinet Secretary, Dr Roger Luncheon, there has been a marked rise in the demand for electricity, and to cater for the added burden during the coming season, some of the engines are now being serviced.
Recently, there have been criticisms of the Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) because of continued blackouts.
Last week, GPL added three Wartsila engines to the grid boosting the system by 20 megawatts. However, the blackouts are still continuing.
GPL earlier this week said that tests are still being conducted and by next week, the blackouts should end.
Last Thursday, GPL commenced the first stage of commissioning at its new Kingston Power Plant
During a tour of the facility, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GPL, Bharrat Dindyal told reporters that generation-related problems will now be a thing of the past as the power station is up and running.
GPL has also completed the 69 KV interconnection of the Kingston Plant to Sophia, which means that the transmission lines along the embankment are running at 69,000 volts. The 69 KV substation on the southern side of the facility was also commissioned.
Meanwhile, Dindyal had told media operatives that GPL would still have to conduct line maintenance as part of preparations for the Christmas season. This essentially means that some areas will experience short periods of blackout.
Approximately 20 persons have already been trained to man the US$30 million state-of-the-art 20 MW Kingston Power Station.