President Dr Irfaan Ali has announced a 25 per cent reduction in electricity rates for households in Bartica, marking another major step in the government’s efforts to make energy more affordable and to advance Guyana’s transition to renewable power.
The announcement was made during a community engagement on Monday, when the President highlighted the impact of the 1.5-megawatt solar photovoltaic (PV) farm, which now supplies electricity to the Region Seven township. The project, which required an investment of more than $703 million, is part of the government’s broader strategy to modernise the energy sector and reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels.
According to President Dr Ali, the solar facility is already delivering significant benefits by reducing fuel consumption and emissions. The project is expected to save thousands of diesel drums each year and substantially reduce carbon dioxide emissions, thereby contributing to Guyana’s environmental sustainability goals.
More than 5,000 households in Bartica are expected to benefit from lower electricity costs. The President noted that the 25 per cent reduction marks the first phase of the government’s commitment to achieving a 50 per cent reduction in electricity costs nationwide.
He emphasised that the initiative reflects a key promise made by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration to provide more affordable, reliable energy for citizens. President Ali said the government remains committed to delivering tangible improvements in the quality of life for Guyanese families through investments in infrastructure, energy and community development.
During the outreach, residents were also given the opportunity to engage directly with representatives from several government agencies, including Guyana Power and Light (GPL), to raise concerns and receive updates on services and development projects.
The Bartica solar farm, located at Dagg Point, was commissioned in 2023 through a partnership between the Guyana Energy Agency and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) under the Guyana Utility Scale Solar Photovoltaic Programme (GUYSOL). The facility was designed to accommodate future growth, meet city demand, and improve the reliability of the region’s power supply.
At full capacity, the plant can generate nearly 2,000 megawatts of electricity annually, significantly reducing diesel consumption and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. The project is one of several renewable energy investments aimed at creating a cleaner, more sustainable energy future for Guyana.
President Dr Ali reiterated that the government’s development strategy is centred on staying connected with communities and addressing challenges directly. He noted that ongoing engagement with citizens enables the administration to better understand local needs and implement practical solutions that improve daily life.
The Bartica project is part of Guyana’s wider Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), which aims to diversify the country’s energy mix through renewable sources, including solar, hydro, wind, biomass and natural gas. The strategy aims to ensure reliable, affordable electricity while maintaining Guyana’s reputation as a global leader in environmental stewardship.
Complementing these efforts is the transformative Wales Gas-to-Energy Project, a 300-megawatt initiative expected to reduce electricity costs by up to 50 per cent nationwide. The project is also expected to support domestic liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) production, strengthen energy security, enhance industrial competitiveness, and provide a more diversified and resilient energy system for the country.
As Guyana continues to invest heavily in energy infrastructure, projects such as the Bartica solar farm demonstrate the government’s commitment to delivering cleaner, cheaper and more reliable electricity to communities across the country, while supporting long-term economic growth and environmental sustainability.