Guyana’s electricity demand has reached a record 242.64 megawatts (MW), with the Government projecting that consumption could climb even further during the August-to-October hot season.
Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation Deodat Indar made the statement while speaking at a press conference hosted by Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips on Friday. He said the latest peak represents the highest demand recorded in the history of the Demerara-Berbice Interconnected System (DBIS). Indar said peak demand has increased significantly over the past year, rising from 221MW to 242.64MW—a growth of 21.6MW. The increase is even more pronounced when compared with 2020, when peak demand stood at approximately 125MW.
The current figure therefore represents an increase of more than 117MW in six years, with demand now almost twice what it was in 2020. Indar attributed the sharp increase to a combination of hotter weather, increased housing activity and the expansion of commercial and industrial operations. The number of customers connected to the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) grid has also grown considerably, from approximately 204,000 in 2020 to about 250,000 as of July. With temperatures expected to remain high during the coming months, planners are projecting that peak demand could reach approximately 266MW during August, September and October. Indar said reliable generation capacity currently stands at approximately 256MW, providing a limited margin above the present peak.
However, several additional generation units are expected to come on stream shortly. A 9.3MW engine from GPL’s Gardner of Eden power plant is expected to be operational by Monday, taking reliable generation capacity to approximately 265MW. Further additions are expected by the end of August, including the return of a 4.5MW Hyundai generator following repairs, another 5.5MW from an engine undergoing a major overhaul and an additional 5MW from the powership. Those interventions are expected to bring total generation capacity to approximately 280.3MW by the end of August, above the projected 266MW peak demand. Indar said the Government is also seeking to manage consumption as the electricity system comes under increased pressure during peak periods.
He identified the main peak period for GPL as between 7pm and 9pm, when household and business electricity consumption rises significantly. As part of efforts to reduce unnecessary consumption, Government buildings are being directed to switch off lights and other equipment when they are no longer needed after working hours.
The Government is also working with the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport to ensure floodlights at sporting grounds are switched off when facilities are not being used. Large customers, particularly businesses with their own generation capacity, are being encouraged to rely on their generators during peak periods to reduce their demand on the national grid. Indar also urged households and businesses to conserve electricity by switching off lights, appliances and other equipment that are not necessary. He said reducing individual consumption would not only lower electricity bills but also ease pressure on the national grid. The Government is simultaneously preparing for additional generation from the gas-to-energy project. Indar said the administration had secured a commitment from the contractor for one turbine capable of producing approximately 57MW.
The Minister said the combination of new generation, infrastructure upgrades and conservation measures is intended to ensure that the country can meet rapidly rising electricity demand and reduce the risk of load shedding during the hot season.
