Generation shortfall causing blackouts; normalcy expected tomorrow – GPL

By: Devina Samaroo

A shortfall in the generation of electricity is the reason for the widespread blackouts across the country however normalcy is expected to be restored tomorrow, according to the Guyana Power and Light (GPL).

GPL’s Public Relations Officer (PRO) Shevon Sears during a news conference Friday said the shortfall is as a result of issues with the power plants at the Garden of Eden power station and Skeldon Energy Incorporated.

She explained that the normal available generation capacity including Skeldon Wartsila Units and the Co-Gen Plant is approximately 137 megawatts.

However, the total available generation capacity in the Demerara Berbice Interconnected System (DBIS) is currently 106 megawatts when the day peak is approximately 106 megawatts and the night peak around 110 to 112 megawatts.

As a result, GPL has been scheduling planned blackouts in several areas across the country in order to distribute electricity to its consumers with the shortfall of approximately 3 megawatts during the day and 6 megawatts during the evenings.

With the fire at GPL’s Onverwagt Power Station last night, the power generation capacity is down another 2.3 megawatts.

Two of the engines at Garden of Eden, which constitute 5.5 megawatts and 6.9 megawatts, is unavailable as it is down for major overhaul.

The third engine, constituting 6.9 megawatts, remains unavailable due to a damaged alternator.

However, the 5.5-megawatt engine which was down for maintenance will be returned tomorrow.
The GPL PRO said this will allow the company to meet its demands during the day and nights.