The Guyana Power and Light (GPL) says that initiatives to restore power supply to normalcy as it converts part of the Essequibo Coast load to 60Hz is progressing satisfactorily.
On Friday April 24, the No 1 Wartsila generator at Anna Regina was restored to full service, allowing for adequate generating capacity to provide continuous power to all consumers along the Essequibo Coast, GPL said in a press release. Other works undertaken include the installation of two 1.6MW Caterpillar power modules on Saturday at Fairfield. The modules were also connected to the network. Unfortunately, this exercise necessitated a power outage to consumers between Riverstown and Supenaam.
During Sunday and Monday, new transformers were installed between Supenaam and Vilvoorden and the network switched to 13,800V, 60Hz operation with power being supplied by one of the two Caterpillar modules. On Tuesday, new transformers were installed between Vilvoorden and Onderneeming and the supply was switched to 13,800V, 60Hz. This means that consumers between Supenaam and Onderneeming are receiving a 60Hz supply from the temporary generating site at Fairfield. GPL expects to complete the installation of new, dual frequency, dual voltage transformers between Onderneeming and La Union and to switch the supply to 60Hz by weekend.
The company will continue to provide support and advice to consumers who may be encountering problems with the 60Hz power supply. The conversion of part of the Essequibo Coast load to 60Hz is expected to allow maintenance to be undertaken at the Anna Regina Power Station without recourse to power interruptions.
GPL is grateful to the consumers on the Essequibo Coast for their patience during the recent power outages.
