By Javone Vickerie | HGP Nightly News|
GEORGETOWN, GUYANA — Sweltering temperatures and an intense dry season have driven peak electricity demand across the Demerara-Berbice Interconnected System (DBIS) to an all-time high of 242.64 megawatts (MW), prompting the government and Guyana Power and Light (GPL) to fast-track emergency generation assets and roll out immediate conservation measures.
The surge represents an increase of more than 21 MW compared to the 2025 peak demand of 221 MW, with energy planners warning that consumption could climb to 266 MW between August and October 2026 as the country navigates its hottest months.
El Niño Weather and Economic Growth Drive Record Peak
Speaking at a joint government press conference, Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips and Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation Deodat Indar explained that the spike is fueled by a combination of extreme weather and rapid national expansion:
- El Niño Climate Impact: Unusually high temperatures have led to continuous use of air-conditioning units, fans, and industrial cooling systems across commercial and residential sectors.
- Expanding Customer Base: GPL’s connected consumer network grew from roughly 204,000 in 2020 to 250,000 as of mid-2026, adding thousands of new residential and commercial connections to the grid.
- Industrial & Commercial Growth: High-volume commercial and manufacturing operations now account for an estimated 70 to 80 percent of total energy consumed on the interconnected grid.
“Because of the El Niño Southern Oscillation, we are already experiencing an unusual dry season with high temperatures and little rainfall,” Prime Minister Mark Phillips stated. “That unusual peak has caused us to devise a plan to ensure the reliable supply of electricity while creating the necessary operating reserves.”
Raising Capacity to 280 MW by Late August
To prevent widespread tripping and maintain a stable operating reserve against the 266 MW projection, Minister Indar announced that GPL is lifting its available generation from 256 MW to 280 MW before the end of August:
- Powership Integration: An additional 5 MW will be connected from the operational powerships.
- Engine Returns & Overhauls: A 4.5 MW generating unit is scheduled to return to active service, while a 5.5 MW engine undergoes a major mechanical overhaul to restore full output.
- Transmission Interventions: GPL is executing grid stability works, including reinforcement cables across the Demerara River to balance loads between Region Three and Region Four.
Peak Conservation Measures Rolled Out
Alongside generation upgrades, authorities are implementing targeted demand-side management to shave power spikes during the crucial evening window between 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.:
- Public Sector Directives: State agencies and government ministries are instructed to switch off all internal air-conditioning units and non-essential lighting immediately after working hours.
- Community Lighting: High-intensity LED floodlights at public community grounds will be powered down during peak evening hours when events are not taking place.
- Industrial Adjustments: Major industrial consumers, including sawmill operators and heavy manufacturers, are being engaged to shift energy-intensive operations outside of peak evening windows.
GPL engineers will continue hour-by-hour grid monitoring throughout the dry season to minimize load shedding and safeguard system reliability.
