GPL has started to upgrade and convert its network’s frequency in several parts of the city and has warned customers that they may need to convert their equipment from 50Hz to 60Hz to avoid failure.

In a press release the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) said it has started the conversion process in parts of Queenstown and D’Urban Street, Werk-en-Rust between Camp and High streets. It said too the distribution networks in these areas were built over 40 years ago and operate at 4,160V, 50Hz with limited capacity.

The upgrade and frequency conversion will significantly increase the network capacity thereby boosting the quality of supply.

The 60Hz supply will affect operation of any appliance with a 50Hz motor or transformer “to the extent that failure can occur,” GPL said.

It advises the public that all 50Hz refrigerators, freezers, air conditioned units, fans, water pumps, music systems (except those with DC drives), fluorescent lamps and mercury vapour lamps will have to be converted.

Appliances with dual frequency, that is those with 50/60Hz rating, will not be affected.

GPL said too during the transition period power will be supplied from Sophia but ultimately the new plant at Kingston will be the source.