President Dr Irfaan Ali

The power system "cannot respond" to current electricity demand, President Dr Irfaan Ali said on Monday, warning that a huge investment is needed as usage is projected to increase by approximately 138 per cent by 2029.
"The system just cannot respond to this demand. We have to make a huge investment," Ali told reporters at a press conference at the Office of the President.
He said electricity demand had already reached 242.6 megawatts in 2026, an 18 per cent increase, far above the roughly three to four per cent average growth recorded across the region. The projected 138 per cent increase by 2029 would require Guyana to more than double its electricity supply within a relatively short period, prompting major investments in generation, transmission, storage and grid modernisation.
Ali noted that the rapid increase is being driven by Guyana's economic expansion, as growth drives new businesses, industries, hotels, housing developments and grid connections, and warned that the existing system was struggling to keep pace.
Government plans include more than 360 kilometres of new high-voltage transmission lines, more than 10 new substations, four expanded substations and two mobile substations. A 155-kilometre, 230-kilovolt double-circuit transmission line and a 36-megawatt battery energy storage system are also part of the planned expansion.
The first Gas-to-Energy project is expected to add significant generation capacity, while Government says tens of billions of dollars are being spent to shield consumers from rising fuel costs affecting the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) system.
"We cannot continue with an unreliable system and a system that is not designed to do what the country wants it to do," Ali said.
He noted that GPL is expected to add more than 62,000 customers as economic activity and housing expansion continue, and warned that the existing system is under significant strain and lacks sufficient reserve capacity.
"There is no spinning reserve, absolutely no spinning reserve," Ali stressed.
He noted that several generators have either exceeded their overhaul periods or are approaching scheduled maintenance, and said Government must pursue major investment in generation, transmission and distribution infrastructure rather than rely on short-term fixes.
Ali acknowledged that recent disruptions have been difficult for consumers but said the solution requires a comprehensive transformation of the electricity system to keep pace with Guyana's economic growth.