Guyana boosts power generation as El Niño heat drives record electricity demand
Demand hit a record 242.64 MW and could reach 266 MW by October, prompting the government to target about 280 MW of available capacity.
GEORGETOWN, Guyana. The Guyana government is taking steps to strengthen electricity supply as unusually high temperatures linked to El Niño push demand to record levels.
Prime Minister Mark Phillips said prolonged hot and dry conditions had put extra pressure on the national grid, and that the government was working with Guyana Power and Light (GPL) to ensure enough generating capacity and reserves.
“Because of the El Niño Southern Oscillation, there is a phenomenon that results in unusual weather patterns throughout the world and, as it relates to Guyana, we are already experiencing an unusual dry season,” Phillips said.
Record demand
Public Utilities and Aviation Minister Deodat Indar said demand recently reached a record 242.64 MW and could rise to about 266 MW between August and October.
He attributed the increase to “the weather, the hotness of the temperature, increased housing expansion in the country, commercial operations, as well as industrial customers”.
Adding capacity
The government aims to raise available generating capacity to about 280 MW. An additional 5 MW from the power ship is expected to come online, a 4.5 MW engine will return to service and another 5.5 MW engine is being overhauled.
The government is also encouraging sawmills to operate outside peak periods and asking government agencies to switch off lights and air-conditioning after hours.
GPL will continue to monitor demand and generation to maintain a reliable supply during the hotter months.
