HGP Nightly News – Guyana’s electricity demand has climbed to a record 242.64 megawatts as hotter-than-normal conditions drive increased use of air-conditioning units and other cooling equipment, placing additional pressure on the national grid.
Public Utilities and Aviation Minister Deodat Indar disclosed the figure during a government press conference on Friday, noting that peak demand during the corresponding period last year was approximately 221 megawatts.
Demand is projected to reach about 266 megawatts between August and October, prompting the government and Guyana Power and Light to pursue additional generating capacity and introduce measures to reduce electricity consumption during peak hours.
Prime Minister Mark Phillips attributed part of the increase to the unusually hot and dry conditions associated with El Niño.
“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.
Indar said the growing demand was also being driven by housing expansion and increased commercial and industrial activity.
To meet the projected 266-megawatt peak, the government is seeking to raise available generating capacity to approximately 280 megawatts by the end of August. That target would provide a comparatively narrow reserve if demand reaches the forecast level.
Indar said another five megawatts are expected from the power ship before the end of the month. A 4.5-megawatt engine is also scheduled to return to service, while another 5.5-megawatt unit is undergoing a major overhaul.
The government is simultaneously trying to reduce pressure on the grid during the evening peak, particularly between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Sawmill operators are being encouraged to schedule operations outside those hours, while government agencies will be asked to switch off internal lights and air-conditioning systems after employees leave work.
GPL will continue monitoring electricity demand and available generation as the country moves through the hotter-than-normal period.
The interventions are intended to minimise outages and maintain sufficient reserves as electricity consumption continues to increase.
