PPDI to assume full maintenance of GPL generators

− GPL’s transition to PPDI will keep generators up and running

DPI, Guyana, Tuesday October 16, 2018

The Guyana Power and Light Incorporated (GPL Inc.) is in the process of transferring the maintenance of its generators to the Power Producer and Distribution Incorporated (PPDI).

The power company has already requested a proposal from the PPDI for the maintenance of several of their out-of-town generating sets.

Speaking with the Department of Public Information (DPI), Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson explained that with PPDI on board there will an improved maintenance schedule.

This the Minister added will prevent any failures, similar to what happened to the generating sets at the utility company’s Anna Regina, Essequibo branch.

“I endorsed that because the maintenance culture of PPDI is rigid and better than Wartsilla. It is anticipated that, with the transition, what happened with the sets at Anna Regina, three months ago, will not reoccur,” Minister Patterson explained.

PPDI will begin maintenance works at the new Anna Regina power station when it is completed in December. The team will them move on to the other stations including the new Bartica power station, when completed.

Minister Patterson said PPDI has the requisite training and resources to execute the task. This will allow GPL to concentrate on keeping the distribution network up and running, as opposed to stretching its resources to keep the generator up and running.

The Public Infrastructure Minister acknowledged that there are challenges on the Essequibo Coast, but noted that his ministry is working assiduously to address them.

“I want to assure the residents of Essequibo that we’re working as fast as we can to improve the quality of service they receive. I know they have heard this before, but they also have to help us by monitoring the situation as well and report any activity at the substation, on the distribution lines that looks incorrect or improper; because at the end of the day it’s their welfare we’re looking after,” Minister Patterson said.

Meanwhile work on the new power station at Anna Regina is advancing and should be completed by December. When finished it will be the first in the country to utilise heavy fuel oil, which is more economical for operations.

It will definitely ease the woes In Essequibo, Minister Patterson assured.

By: Ranetta La Fleur.

Images: Jules Gibson.