25 new electrical standards in place as of 2019
[youtube url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZvXoXTfG83o” width=”100%” height=”315″]
─ new standards will save lives, environment and property
─ electrical contractor and suppliers critical to GSDS effectiveness
─ revolutionise new ways towards energy use – Min. Ferguson
DPI, Guyana, Thursday, March 14, 2019
“Before 2017, Guyana only had one voluntary electrical standard, but as of 2019, we now have 25 new electrical standards of which will all be mandatory for all contractors to follow.”
This was disclosed today by the Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson at the launch of the sixth Annual Electrical Contractors Conference at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre.
While these standards are freshly in place for contractors, Minister Patterson emphasised that, “these standards are not burdensome and/or oppressive to electrical contractors, but rather [necessary] to ensure safety and protection of lives, environment and property”.
Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson
Under the theme: “Benefits of an Eco-Friendly Green Energy in an Oil Developing Economy”, Minister Patterson focused on the need for renewable energy in Guyana’s growing economy. He relayed that, “employers are now seeking experienced and capable workers to install and service photovoltaic panels, wind turbines, hydropower and all the related wirings and connections”, as the need for renewable energy increases. Therefore, Minister Patterson highlighted the increasing importance of electrical contractors, adding that “investors remain adamant that the demand for electrical contractors in this field will remain strong over the next decade or more”.
In keeping with the government’s Green State Development Strategy’s 2025 target of achieving 100 per cent renewable energy, Minister Patterson conveyed the critical role local electrical contractors will play.
“You, our local contractors are the most important and essential individuals in making this vision a reality. You are the men and women with the know-how, you are the critical contractors our homeowners, investors and local business entrepreneurs will call upon to do their installation.”
On this note, the minister reminded the stakeholders at the conference to take advantage of the legislation the government has passed and enforced to “remove import duty and tax barriers on the importation of renewable energy equipment, compact fluorescent lamps and LED lamps so as to incentivise and motivate energy efficient behaviour”.
Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Annette Ferguson
Moreover, Junior Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Anette Ferguson, in her remarks articulated that the “real substance of these [Guyana’s oil] finds will come when all Guyanese are able to benefit from these discoveries, whether directly or indirectly”. This comment came as Minister Ferguson encouraged the electrical contractors and suppliers to “think outside of the box” and to revolutionise new ways towards energy usage that is efficient.
There were several exhibits on the ground floor of the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) that were geared towards electrical safety and efficiency. Grace Hudson, representing Chronicle Safety Solutions, added that their material on display was to “promote the enhancement of the safety culture [and] to increase awareness of occupational health and safety in the workplace”. Through this, various safety gears were on display such as steel-toe boots, earmuffs, helmets and coveralls. Another exhibit was led by Rosante Perry from the Guyana Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission. Perry told the Department of Public Information (DPI) that the commission’s role at the conference was to “enlighten the suppliers and contractors [of electrical equipment] on their duties. Often times persons get into these jobs and they do not know what is required of them according to the Consumer Affairs Act, so we want to enlighten them specifically about part 4 of the act [which addresses] warranty.”
The conference was spearheaded by the Guyana Electrical Inspectorate (GEI). GEI is the electrical safety authority and regulatory body within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure that is responsible for protecting users of electricity against the hazards of unsafe and unsound electrical installation. Presentations were made by the Guyana Energy Agency, National Insurance Scheme, Assuria, Guyana Revenue Authority, Kronoco Safety Solutions, Guyana Fire Service and Government Electrical Inspectorate.
Government’s hosting of the conference also works towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically Goal 7 which is focused on ensuring access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable modern energy for all. The theme of the conference directly coincides with Target 4 of SDG 7 which aims to “enhance international cooperation to facilitate access to clean energy research and technology, including renewable energy, energy efficiency and advanced and cleaner fossil-fuel technology, and promote investment in energy infrastructure and clean energy technology”.
Shaquille Bourne
Images: Govanni Gajie