GPL explains Essequibo Coast blackout

Last Updated on Wednesday, 18 June 2014, 0:22 by GxMedia

Today, Tuesday June 17, 2014 at approximately 04:09hrs, main switchgear within the Anna Regina Power Station had to be taken out of service following a flash over on a busbar insulator and resulting fire. As a result, the entire Essequibo Coast was without power while the extent of the damage was evaluated.

Isolation of the affected section resulted in communities stretching from Anna Regina to Charity being repowered at 08:09hrs, as only one of the two generating units could be accommodated. Late this afternoon, these customers were shed to allow restoration of power to customers spanning from sections of Anna Regina to Suddie. Unfortunately, the available generating capacity could not facilitate repowering of communities on the western half (Sections of Anna Regina to Lima sands, Caricom Rice Mill). It is envisioned that these communities will be repowered by midnight as repairs are expected to be completed and the system restored to normal.

Our company regrets the inconvenience experienced by consumers on the Essequibo Coast.