Power company urges consumers to conserve as Guyana experiences heat days

GEORGETOWN, Guyana, CMC – The Guyana Power and Light Inc (GPL) Friday called for consumers to conserve as the utility company registered its highest-ever electricity generation and demand.

In a statement, the company said that it recorded a peak demand of 182 megawatts compared to 154 megawatts for the corresponding period last year.

“This noticeable increase in electricity generation and consumption can be attributed to the increasing high temperatures over the past few months and the growth in the housing and commercial sectors,” it said.

The utility company said that this situation is not unique to GPL as countries “around the Caribbean and the world are facing similar energy challenges. Neighbouring Trinidad and Tobago recorded its highest ever electricity consumption in August.”

The utility company said that the rise in temperature has led to the heightened use of air conditioning units and fans, noting “in some instances, AC units and fans are left on in homes and businesses that are unoccupied, resulting in unnecessary energy wastage.

“To cushion the effect of this situation, GPL is seeking the support and cooperation of our customers in adopting conscientious electricity conservation practices,” the GPL said, urging consumers to use LEDs that consume “significantly less electricity and generate less heat”.

In addition, factories, manufacturers and other large customers are being asked to “manage their production schedules efficiently to conserve electricity” and housewives are urged to schedule laundry and ironing on one day instead of multiple days.

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