GPL rolls out project to tackle low voltage

─ “step in the right direction,” say New Amsterdam residents

DPI, Guyana, December 7, 2019

Residents of New Amsterdam have welcomed a meeting with the Guyana Power and Light Incorporated (GPL).

Officials of GPL met with the residents on Saturday to discuss the power company’s efforts to improve voltage stability in the Demerara-Berbice Integrated System (DBIS).

“It seems to be advanced equipment they [GPL] are installing… I think it is a step in the right direction,” commented Errol Ganpatsingh, an elderly resident of the township who was one of the most vocal participants at the meeting.

Ganpatsingh was referring to the installation of Reactive Power Compensation at the Canefield and New Sophia GPL substations. This project is funded by the Inter-American Development Bank and the Japan Government through the Japan International Corporation Agency (JICA).

Resident of New Amsterdam, Errol Ganpatsingh

[L-R] Senior Transmission and Distribution Engineer (ag) Rovindranaugt Jagnanan; Customer Service personnel, Alicia Williams and employee within the Projects Department, Frank John

Public Relation Officer of GPL, Shevon Sears

During engagement held at Berbice High School, GPL’s Project Manager Linden Edwards said two 5Megavar compensators will be put into operation at the Canefield site.

“These regulators will control the transmission voltage and also stabilise the voltage,” the Project Manager remarked.

Edwards also assured the residents that the project is to ensure there is a “reliable and stable power supply” to their homes. While acknowledging voltage fluctuation has affected businesses, Edwards said one of the main spinoffs of the project will be its meaningful impacts on establishments.

Regarding renewable energy, the project will enable the grid for the seamless integration of solar PV and wind farms, as well as hydropower. Additionally, there will be a reduction in line losses and system shutdowns.

With a project deadline of June 2020, GPL’s Public Relations Officer, Shevon Sears told residents the electricity provider will keep update them on any planned service disruptions that are integral to bringing the project fully into operation. “Any outages pertaining to the project will be after the Christmas season… we will inform and educate you,” Sears stated.

There are no planned outages for the Christmas period since all equipment under the network have already been serviced

Residents had their concerns addressed; Senior Transmission and Distribution Engineer (ag) Rovindranaugt Jagnanan; Customer Service personnel, Alicia Williams and employee within the Projects Department, Frank John were also in attendance and engaged the New Amsterdam residents.