GPL awards contracts to improve electricity transmission grid

Last Updated on Friday, 4 April 2025, 22:20 by Writer

The state-owned Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Inc. announced on Friday night that it has invested US$422.2 million to “significantly upgrade and expand” the national transmission network, particularly along the eastern corridor of the Demerara-Berbice Interconnected System (DBIS).

The company said Lots 1 and 3 were awarded to PowerChina International Group Ltd. with a total value in the sum of US$265.7 million, and Lot 2 to Kalpataru Projects International Ltd., totalling US$156.5 million.

GPL said those contracts would include the construction of approximately 155 kilometers of 230 kV double circuit transmission lines and 167 kilometers of 69 kV double circuit transmission lines. Additionally, GPL said that project includes the upgrade of the existing Kingston Substation and the construction of five (5) brand new Substations at LBI, Enmore, Trafalgar, Williamsburg, and No. 53 Village, Berbice.

The 230 kV lines will interconnect the Goedverwagting Substation, now being constructed under the gas to energy project, to two new Substations to be constructed at Trafalgar and Williamsburg, Berbice, establishing a critical high-voltage backbone.

The new 69 kV network along the East Coast Demerara transmission corridor will facilitate the relocation of the existing network along the railway embankment, which will allow for the completion of the new four-lane highway under construction. New 69kV lines will also be constructed to interconnect the Williamsburg Substation to the new substation to be constructed at No. 53 Village and the existing Substation at Canefield, Berbice.

According to the Head of GPL Executive Management, Mr Kesh Nandlall, “This investment marks a pivotal moment in GPL’s history and is a bold step forward in modernizing Guyana’s power infrastructure,” he was quoted as saying in the government status.

“Our focus remains firmly on delivering reliable, efficient, and sustainable electricity to every Guyanese household and business.” Mr Nandlall said.

The upgraded infrastructure will not only improve electricity reliability and efficiency across regions but will also enhance GPL’s ability to integrate future renewable energy sources and support national development.