The National Assembly has approved $28.7 billion in funding to accelerate the expansion and modernization of Guyana’s electricity distribution networks, marking a pivotal move to address the nation’s longstanding power challenges and support rapid economic growth.
The funds, part of a broader US$422.2 million investment, will be used to facilitate mobilization, advance, and interim payments for a sweeping upgrade of the Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) transmission and distribution infrastructure. This initiative represents the largest single investment in GPL’s history and is expected to be transformative for the country’s energy sector.
The project, divided into three major lots, will see the construction of approximately 155 kilometers of 230kV double-circuit transmission lines and 167 kilometers of 69kV double-circuit transmission lines. Five new substations will be built at La Bonne Intention (LBI), Enmore, Trafalgar, Williamsburg, and East Berbice, while the existing Kingston substation will be upgraded. Additionally, new distribution feeders will be installed at Enmore and Victoria, further enhancing the reliability and reach of the national grid.
Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips described the project as “transformative,” noting that the new transmission system will serve as the backbone of the country’s electricity supply, comparable to those in developed nations. He emphasized that these upgrades are essential for efficiently delivering power generated from the forthcoming Gas-to-Energy (GtE) project and other sources to homes, businesses, and new developments across Guyana.
The government’s expansion plan is designed to accommodate surging demand, with the Demerara-Berbice Interconnected System (DBIS) already serving 230,000 customers and experiencing record growth in new connections. Last year alone, nearly 14,000 new electrical certificates were issued, reflecting the nation’s rapid housing, commercial, and industrial expansion.
Canadian consultancy Method4 Engineering has been engaged to oversee the project, ensuring adherence to international standards. The works are expected to be completed within one year of the initial advance payment, with the new infrastructure set to play a critical role in integrating the GtE project into the national grid by mid-2026.
Officials have underscored that this investment will not only stabilize and modernize Guyana’s electricity supply but also lay the groundwork for future growth, supporting new housing schemes, hospitals, schools, and industrial zones. The government has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining stable electricity rates and delivering reliable, affordable power to all Guyanese as the country transitions into a new era of energy security and economic opportunity.
