Some $1.6 billion is to be allocated to the Guyana Power and Light Incorporated (GPL) this year for the construction of infrastructure for new transmission lines and works aimed at reducing load shedding.
Minister of Finance Dr Ashni Singh on Wednesday told the National Assembly that the funding represents a critical investment into the power company as it will improve GPL’s network.
“In 2022, $1.6 billion is budgeted for the construction of a parallel transmission line linking the Kingston and the New Sophia substations, the upgrade of the existing L5 transmission line, and other works aimed at reducing transmission losses and maintaining desired system voltage levels,” he explained during his budget presentation.
He related that in the past year GPL has been able to successfully undertake the rehabilitation of over 600 km of medium/low voltage distribution network.
According to Singh, with support from government they have implemented a “transformer module” in GPL’s customer information system, an intervention expected to see better management of electricity loss in the grid.
The Finance Minister further argued that with the planned investment, GPL will be able to continue in its transitioning by making the necessary investment for a smart grid.
At the same time, the company is making changes to accommodate electricity from the Gas to Shore project and the Amaila Falls Hydro Project.
“Sir, the necessary studies that are required to prepare GPL transmission and distribution to off take the power that would be supply by Wales and Amaila, that necessary work has already been initiated…,” he added.
