The Guyana Power and Light (GPL) on Thursday promised greater reliability and efficiency in the delivery of electricity as it announced the commencement of a program to upgrade the functionality of the utility company.

GPL’s Chairman, Robert Badal said the multi-million U.S dollar project seeks to strengthen the management capacity and improve the operation of the electricity provider.

The Canadian Provincial Crown Corporation, Manitoba Hydro, has been contracted to implement the project in three phases.

In the first stage, GPL’s senior and executive staff will undergo six weeks of formal classroom training followed by three years of ongoing training by Manitoba Specialists to the tune of US$7.1 million.

Another US$4.3 million will be spent to improve the operation of GPL and in the final stage, US$43 million will be expended on improving the infrastructure to target loss prevention efforts.

That will see the installation of thousands of smart meters and upgrade works at several sub-stations across the country with the aim of reducing levels of losses.

The project makes provision for the hiring of seven new engineers from Manitoba while an additional seven specialists will travel to Guyana to carry out the coaching of key management personnel.

New Chief Executive Officer

And as GPL pushes to improve its management structure, Mr. Badal said the company is still looking for a substantive Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
The Chairman assured that GPL will make that appointment soon.

Deputy Chief Executive Officer Renford Homer was recently appointed to act in the position. Homer has worked with GPL for more than a decade.

Badal said he has been performing the functions as CEO dutifully.

The Chairman explained that GPL is developing a long-term policy to have Guyanese resident managers to run the affairs of the company.

He said the new CEO is likely to be local.

Parting ways with Wartsila

Mr. Badal confirmed that in the push to strengthen GPL’s managerial capabilities, there is a plan to part ways with the Finnish company, Wartsila which has been managing the utility company’s stations for several years.

Badal said the decision is being taken, with the support of government, to allow competent locals to run the affairs of the company.

He said no detailed discussion were held with Wartsila on this planned move but assured that there should be no risks for Guyanese consumers.

The GPL Chairman believes Guyana has over the years developed sufficient competence in the generation of power.

He said Wartsila will continue to be a long-term supplier in terms of other services and provide support to GPL.

“There has been a progressive improvement in the delivery of power in last three years,” he added.

Commenting on the recent spate of power outages, Badal said there is currently no deficit in the generation power although GPL is challenged by aged infrastructure.

He said 90% of blackouts are not due to generation of power but rather because of trips in the system caused by overgrown vegetation and other factors, some related to the weather.

The Chairman has assured that Guyanese will enjoy reliable power during the upcoming holiday season.

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