GPL fast-track upgrade with Dom Rep’s InterEnergy two-year contract

The Dominican Republic’s privately-owned InterEnergy Group has been finally hired to help modernise the state-owned Guyana Power and Light Inc (GPL) over the next two years, the power company said in a statement.

“This agreement is aimed at supporting the acceleration of the modernisation of Guyana’s energy infrastructure, enhancing grid reliability and advancing the country’s transition towards a smart grid,” GPL said.

The media were not invited to the signing of the US$15.8 million contract which was awarded based on the sole-sourced formula although the Canada-headquartered Method4 had won the bid and subsequently dropped.

Under the rubric of supervisory, engineering and project management consultancy services, GPL said InterEnergy Holdings would provide project management and oversight for major infrastructure projects, ensuring technical compliance, timely execution and integration of smart technologies.

The Guyana government is on record as assuring that no GPL worker would lose his or her job as a result of an agreement with InterEnergy. The Dominican Republic power company has also been hired to deliver technical advisory services in operation and maintenance of generation assets, conduct audits, and recommend improvements for reliability, efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

InterEnergy has also been tasked with leading smart grid integration, including technical gap analysis, developing cost-effective expansion plans and designing the integration roadmap for full-scale smart grid deployment. Under the agreement, according to GPL, the local power company would also benefit from supporting capacity building and reporting, delivering regular progress reports, technical documentation, access to specialised experts and supporting GPL’s operational and strategic decision making.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Minister of Public Utilities, Deodat Indar, underscored the importance of capacity building within GPL. “It was a very rigorous negotiation process. The contract reflects the best interests of both the Government of Guyana and InterEnergy Holdings. “I look forward to seeing the partnership between GPL and InterEnergy over the next two years result in tangible improvements within the electricity sector,” he was quoted as saying.

GPL Chairman, Maurice Gajadhar, described the partnership as a historic step forward in strengthening regional ties and advancing Guyana’s development. “Today marks a significant milestone in the relationship between the Dominican Republic and Guyana. This collaboration reflects the willingness of two friendly nations to work together for mutual progress. As Chairman of GPL, I am very excited about the expertise that InterEnergy will bring to our country. As Guyanese, we are proud to be among the fastest-growing economies in the world, and this partnership is proof that we are matching words with action,” he said.

Chairman of the InterEnergy Group Rolando González Bunster, emphasised the symbolic and strategic importance of the partnership. “We have built a partnership that goes beyond the value of the contract. It represents a meaningful connection and a symbol of our commitment to supporting a country like Guyana. Electricity is vital, and we assure you that our work will make you proud. We will guide the way, but it is you (GPL) who will drive the journey forward.”

Head of Executive Management at GPL, Kesh Nandlall, highlighted the transformational value of the initiative. “This collaboration represents a significant step toward transforming Guyana’s electricity landscape, improving service delivery, and ensuring that our grid is equipped to meet the growing demand and our 2030 goal of a smart grid,” Mr Nandlall stated.

Earlier this year during the controversy over InterEnergy and Method4, GPL officials had said that the Dominican Republic company would, among other things, supervise the execution of a more than USD$400 million project to install a new transmission and distribution system by Power China and the Indian firm, Kalpataru. That system, which would include sub-stations, would distribute electricity from the 300-megawatt natural gas-fired power plant whose construction is slated for completion by mid-2026.