Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL), with support from the Government, plans to undertake a US$4.869 billion capital programme over the next five years as the utility prepares to significantly expand and modernise Guyana’s electricity system.
The investment is outlined in GPL’s Development and Expansion Programme 2026-2030, which sets out plans to increase generation capacity, strengthen the transmission and distribution network, introduce smart grid technologies and reduce electricity losses.
The programme comes as Guyana faces rapidly growing electricity demand, driven by continued economic expansion, housing development and increased industrial and commercial activity.
GPL projects that electricity requirements will increase significantly over the period, with total energy demand expected to move from approximately 2,000 GWh in 2026 to about 10,441 GWh by 2030. Peak demand is also forecast to climb from approximately 318 MW to 1,671 MW over the same period.
A significant portion of the transformation will involve new generation.
GPL’s programme envisages the first 300 MW phase of the Gas-to-Energy project at Wales being commissioned by the end of 2026, followed by another 300 MW phase in 2028. A third phase of approximately 300 MW is planned for Palmyra, Region Six, around 2030.
The proposed Amaila Falls Hydropower Project, with an anticipated capacity of more than 167 MW, is also included in the plan with an assumed commissioning period around 2030. Renewable energy capacity within GPL’s generation portfolio is meanwhile projected to reach approximately 150 MW by that year.
However, the programme acknowledges that despite the planned investments, generation constraints could persist during parts of the five-year period because of the pace at which electricity demand is expected to grow. This could require continued use of existing heavy fuel oil generation and interim capacity solutions.
Hundreds of millions of US dollars are also earmarked for strengthening the electricity network. The projected expenditure includes approximately US$309.5 million for renewable energy and battery storage systems, US$483.7 million for several tendered projects and approximately US$472.7 million for 69 kV transmission lines and associated substation expansion.
GPL is also moving towards a full-scale smart grid, with the programme describing the transition as a key part of modernising the country’s electricity network. This includes advanced metering, greater automation and improved system monitoring.
The utility company is targeting approximately 284,000 smart meters by 2030. The meters are expected to support remote readings, disconnection and reconnection, tamper detection and automatic outage notifications.
At the same time, GPL is aiming to reduce total system losses to approximately 12.4 per cent by 2030. The programme identifies loss reduction as a critical component of improving the company’s financial and operational performance.
GPL said the overall programme is intended to reposition Guyana’s electricity sector to support the country’s continued development, while improving reliability, efficiency and the ability of the grid to accommodate future growth.
