PPP calls for swift resolution to electricity situation

THE People’s Progressive Party (PPP) is cognizant of the inconvenience the recent spate of power outages has caused many Guyanese especially during this festive season. According to the PPP, it is not unreasonable for consumers to expect the provision of uninterrupted power supply, the need for which becomes exacerbated at this time. While the Party calls on the utility company to do its utmost to ensure that consumers are satisfied, it is not oblivious of the challenges faced by the entity. These challenges, it said, were compounded by the inexcusable act of the combined Opposition (AFC and APNU) to use its one-seat majority in the National Assembly to slash subsidies provided by the government to the Guyana Power & Light (GPL). These subsidies bring tremendous benefits to electricity consumers and help the utility company to mitigate some of the challenges it faces. As the season of goodwill is celebrated, the PPP said it would expect that with the dawning of a new year, the Opposition would remain cognisant of the consequences of its action and the deprivation it imposes on citizens. The party is hopeful that the Opposition would endeavour to be more responsible especially when the citizenry stand to be affected. Similarly, the party urges GPL to be mindful of the expectations of consumers and to work assiduously to deliver acceptable services. As Guyana continues to grow and its people prosper, the demand for the use of electricity increases. This is further compounded by the continuous and robust expansion of the housing sector and the enabling environment provided for Guyanese to continually improve their lifestyle. It is in this context that the PPP reiterates the need for the Opposition to be responsive to the needs of Guyanese as the country continues along the path of development. Under the PPP administration, thousands of Guyanese from across the country have been able to access electricity for the first time. As more consumers are added to the grid, it is the Party’s fervent hope that GPL would keep in mind the country’s growth and expansion in its planning. Further, the PPP said hopes that current circumstances would be mitigated and that the inconvenience being experienced by consumers would be corrected and not allowed to damper spirits. GPL sheds light on weekend outages Meanwhile, the Guyana Power and Light Inc (GPL) has said that power outages experienced throughout the last weekend resulted from malfunctioning equipment. GPL, in a statement on Monday, said it wishes to advise customers that the outages experienced on Saturday December 21, 2013, commencing at 14:10 hrs, were the result of a series of faults occurring on the F4 feeder emanating from our Kingston 2 generating station, coupled with the tripping of one of two station service transformers at that station. “After restarting the system, this feeder was reclosed around 14:34 hrs, after waiting for any reports of fallen poles and other unusual occurrences, as is standard procedure. “However, it tripped again, and checking of the lines revealed a burnt cable lug on the feeder pothead at Kingston. Repairs were completed at approximately 17:10 hrs. “On closing at 17:21 hrs, it again tripped, and a burnt jumper connection on the line was found at Water and Barrack Streets. “After repairing and reclosing the feeder at 18:15 hrs, it again tripped, and crews found the lines entangled at Main and New Market Streets. The feeder was finally reclosed at 18:35 hrs. “Repowering of areas commenced 14:22 hrs, with areas from Kingston along Water Street, Brickdam, Princes Street, Louisa Row, (and) Sussex Street to Agricola. “The station service transformer that was tripping has been isolated, and technicians are carrying out detailed checks. “The outages experienced on Sunday December 22, 2013, commencing approximately 12:15 hrs, were as a result of a shutdown of our Demerara Interconnected System. This was caused by a stuck starting air valve on a cylinder of the No.3 generating set at our Kingston 2 generating station, leading to a drop in the common control air pressure system and consequent shutdown of the fuel pumps to all of the machines. “With the loss of this, the largest station (36 MW) in our system, all other stations would become overloaded and shut down. All areas in Georgetown/Greater Georgetown, the East Coast, East Bank, West Bank, and West Coast Demerara were affected. “Repowering of areas commenced 12:19 hrs with small areas between Sophia and Good Hope. The last areas between Good Hope, Industry, Success, and Lusignan were repowered at 13:40 hrs. “GPL sincerely regrets the inconvenience caused, and wishes to advise that GPL’s technicians, line crews, and contractors are working continually to keep our system running.”