GPL installing two generators to end Bartica’s blackout

Sep 21, 2013 News

Residents of Bartica, Region Seven, are expected to get some relief from power outages with the repair of a key generator set.
According to the state-owned Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL), technicians yesterday “successfully” completed repairs to one unit which is currently being tested on load.
“Two units will be sufficient to satisfy demand throughout the day, and end the intermittent load-shedding that had been taking place,” GPL explained.

Bartica’s power woes are due to end shortly with a key generator repaired and being tested, GPL has announced.

Over the past weeks, there have been increasing complaints of the power situation of that community, located up the Essequibo River and said to be a key gateway to the interior.
GPL said that preparations are also being made for commissioning of a third unit along with establishment of a 13.8 kilovolt (kV) substation.
“This will facilitate the gradual upgrade of the Bartica distribution voltage from the existing 4.16kV to 13.8kV. Distribution at the higher voltage will lead to improvement in the voltage levels for residents.”
In the medium term, the company is proposing, as part of its development and expansion program, to relocate the existing plant while at the same time, installing a new generating set of 2MW capacity. “The additional unit, which will operate on heavy fuel oil, will cater for the growing demand in the area. Again, the company wishes to assure its valued customers that all efforts are being made to establish and maintain a stable and reliable supply, and apologizes for the disruptions experienced over the past few weeks.”
On Thursday, the Bartica United Youth Development Group (BUYDG), in a letter to the editor in Kaieteur News, was highly critical of the situation. He said that the number of complaints has grown in recent times with the community experiencing hours and days of unscheduled outages.
“A lot of business owners have complained about loss of food items due to the continuous blackouts. The BUYDG told the resident that we believe that the reason why we are facing this dilemma is because the population in Bartica is growing very fast and a lot of new homes and business places are being constructed over the years.”
The group urged GPL to purchase new generators, as the current ones are too expensive to maintain. “Taxpayers’ money continues to be wasted due to the heavy fuel consumption and parts required for maintenance.”
BUYDG said it will be calling for a meeting in which GPL will have to explain the situation.
“…since the objective is to seek all avenues in developing Bartica, and to negotiate with the Government and the leaders of this region to provide a healthy and comfortable existence for the residents.”