Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) today made a formal presentation to the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) on its Operating Standards and Performance Targets 2025 and its Development and Expansion Programme for the period 2026–2030.
The presentation was delivered by members of GPL’s Executive Management Team, led by Mr. Kesh Nandlall, Team Leader of the Executive Management Committee. Presentations were also made by Mr. Bharat Harjohn, Deputy Chief Executive Officer – Strategic Operations; Ms. Shaun Hamlet, Divisional Director of Transmission and Distribution; Mr. Parsram Persaud, Divisional Director of Loss Reduction; and Ms. Rhonda La Fargue, Divisional Director of Customer Services. Each executive outlined performance results for 2025, key challenges, and planned actions within their respective portfolios.
The presentation addressed the rapid growth in electricity demand and customer connections across Guyana, the generation and network investments required to meet that growth, and the measures being implemented to improve reliability, customer service, and overall system performance.
GPL reported that electricity demand on the Demerara‑Berbice Interconnected System (DBIS) has increased significantly in recent years. Peak demand rose from 126.4 megawatts in 2020 to 221.5 megawatts in 2025, representing growth of approximately 75.5 per cent. Demand is projected to continue increasing, with peak demand expected to reach approximately 286 megawatts in 2026 and rise to about 1,575 megawatts by 2030, driven by expanding residential connections, increased commercial activity, and the emergence of new industrial loads.
Customer growth has followed a similar trajectory. GPL advised that its customer base increased from approximately 201,800 customers in 2020 to 244,124 customers in 2025 and is projected to grow further from approximately 252,720 customers in 2026 to about 305,800 customers by 2030.
Commenting on the presentation, Mr. Nandlall stated, “the data provided to the Commission highlights the scale and pace of growth taking place across Guyana’s electricity sector and that GPL’s development programme is structured to ensure that generation, transmission, distribution and customer service improvements advance in a coordinated manner so that reliability and service quality are maintained as demand continues to expand through 2030.”
To meet projected demand reliably and at least cost, GPL outlined a diversified generation expansion strategy. Between 2020 and 2025, approximately 186 megawatts of firm generating capacity were added to the DBIS.
Gross electricity generation is projected to increase from approximately 1,485 gigawatt‑hours in 2025 to about 9,850 gigawatt‑hours by 2030. By the end of the decade, over 1600 megawatts of firm generation capacity are committed for development in addition to more than 100Mwp of solar energy supported by large‑scale battery energy storage systems. Planned generation includes multiple three 300-megawatt Gas‑to‑Energy projects, the 165‑megawatt Amaila Falls Hydropower Project, and the continued expansion of utility‑scale solar photovoltaic generation. By 2027, GPL expects approximately 35.85 megawatt‑peak of utility‑scale solar capacity to be commissioned nationwide.
The presentation also detailed a comprehensive Transmission and Distribution expansion and modernisation programme for the period 2026 to 2030. This programme is designed to support new generation capacity, accommodate rapid demand growth and improve system reliability. Key elements include the construction of new 230‑kilovolt and 69‑kilovolt transmission lines to evacuate power from Gas‑to‑Energy projects, integrate Amaila Hydropower and interconnect Linden with the DBIS. The programme also includes the development of new substations and the expansion of existing substations across multiple regions, as well as the installation of hundreds of kilometres of new 13.8‑kilovolt distribution feeders designed to be smart‑grid ready.
GPL highlighted substantial progress already achieved in strengthening the transmission and distribution network. During 2025, approximately 80 kilometres of distribution conductors were upgraded, around 180 kilometres of network extensions were completed, and 1,188 transformers were installed, replaced or upgraded. In addition, 695 alternative pole structures were installed, and 39 electrification projects were completed, providing first‑time electricity access to approximately 900 households.
In reviewing system reliability, GPL advised that a portion of customer interruptions recorded during 2025 were attributable to external contractor‑related activities, including construction and other third‑party works impacting transmission and distribution assets. These incidents were identified alongside power‑plant‑related and internal network faults. GPL outlined mitigation measures including network reinforcement, improved protection coordination, enhanced monitoring, and continued engagement with stakeholders to reduce third‑party impacts on the electricity network.
The presentation further highlighted continued growth in distributed renewable energy. As of current, there are 358 grid‑tie solar rooftop customers connected to the GPL network, representing approximately 11.9 megawatt‑peak of installed capacity and generating an average of 17.8 gigawatt‑hours annually. GPL encouraged customers to consider installing solar photovoltaic systems under the Net Billing Programme, noting that distributed solar contributes to improved grid resilience, reduced technical losses and Guyana’s clean energy transition.
Loss reduction remains a key priority for the utility. GPL advised that total system losses are projected to decline by approximately 10.7 per cent over the 2026–2030 period, supported by metering upgrades, enforcement activities and sustained investment in the network.
The presentation concluded with GPL’s Smart Grid Roadmap, incorporating expanded Advanced Metering Infrastructure, feeder automation, modern protection and control systems, enhanced supervisory control and data acquisition, and improved integration of distributed energy resources. These initiatives are intended to improve outage management, reduce restoration times and enhance overall customer service performance.
GPL reaffirmed its commitment to operating in alignment with national development objectives, the Low Carbon Development Strategy, and Sustainable Development Goal 7, and to continued engagement with the Public Utilities Commission as Guyana’s electricity system continues to evolve.
Moreover, the company expects that these investments and initiatives outlined in its development programme will firmly position the company to significantly improve its performance in line with its Operating Standards and Performance Targets, while strengthening system reliability, customer service and overall operational efficiency.