Guyanese Government hoping to save millions with new electricity company

GEORGETOWN, Guyana, Apr 4, CMC – Government says the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Incorporated hopes to save millions of dollars (One Guyana dollar =US$0.004 cents) as a result of a decision to switch from Wartsilla to the state-owned company, Power Producer and Distribution Incorporated (PPDI).
Speaking at the swearing in ceremony for the new PPDI board of directors, Public Infrastructure Minister, David Patterson, said the new company offers a better rate per megawatt than Wartsilla, which began operations here in 1994.
“The exorbitant rates imposed by multinational for the new operation and maintenance agreements which ranges between US$15.50 to US$26 made this decision far easier. We estimate with the establishment of PPDI a savings of at least US$3.73 per megawatt,” Patterson said.
He said the board of PPDI was carefully selected and is efficient enough to execute the task at hand. The minister is confident that PPDI will maintain high standards.
“Delivering cost efficient service matching all the key performance indicators; heat rate, availability and lube oil consumption, these are key performance indicators and will be an integral part of the operations and maintenance agreement between PPDI and GPL,” Patterson said, adding that in addition to saving money, PPDI will also provide employment for Guyanese.
He said Guyanese are well competent to manage GPL’s power plant and that in the last two years the overhauling of the power plants was carried out by Guyanese who were able to execute it within 14-16 days.
Patterson said that PPDI will also be investing in people and equipment and will one day be the complete energy solution arm of the government.
PPDI chairman, Mark Bender, said the company has a host of competent workers it inherited from Wartsilla who will strive to achieve the government’s green economy and are experienced and skilled to effectively provide the quality of service expected by Guyana Power and Light.
“The company is also expected to have an expanded role in the future as the government moves forward with its plan to provide electricity supply from clean and renewable sources of energy…Electricity coverage and reliable supply of electricity are key indicators of sustainable human development. PPDI is an important player in the electricity sector and must play its role effectively,” Bender said.