THE 2008 budget has allocated $21.2 M to the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) to increase its reliability and efficiency through a more effective power generating capacity and an upgraded transmission and distribution network. This is an effort to promote Government’s short-term policy in the area of energy and power generation.

With this funding, GPL will acquire an additional 20 megawatts of generating capacity utilising the more economical heavy fuel oil, and upgrade the transmission line between Skeldon and the No. 53 Village power station to allow full utilisation of the power generated by the Guyana Sugar Corporation (Guysuco).

Other initiatives to boost efficiency include the implementation of a new customer information system, continuation of the meter replacement programme, and introduction of new metering technology.

Focus will also be placed in the area of hinterland electrification. Demonstration pilot projects which began in 2007 will be completed and assessed to determine lessons learnt that would assist the implementation of additional projects.

An amount of $220 million has been provided to purchase a diesel electrification system for Port Kaituma, construct distribution systems for Orealla and Siparuta, and install solar panels in hinterland communities.

In 2007, government spent over $3 billion to improve electrification in unserved and underserved areas and on upgrading existing systems. This amount financed acquisition of 10 megawatts of additional generating capacity at a cost of $777 million, procurement and installation of 361 computerised meters that can be read remotely, replacement of over 8,300 defective meters, and removal of 13,000 illegal connections.

Additionally, $863 million was spent on the Guysuco Skeldon power plant which started exporting in excess of four megawatts of power to the national grid, using generators powered by heavy fuel oil.(GINA)