Guyana faces electricity crisis as surging demand strains power grid

President Irfaan Ali has warned that Guyana faces a critical electricity crisis, noting that the country cannot guarantee an end to frequent power interruptions. The state-owned Guyana Power and Light (GPL) has reported a lack of spinning reserves in several regions, including the Demerara, Berbice, and Essequibo coasts, leaving the system vulnerable to total shutdowns if equipment fails.

Electricity demand is surging at rates far exceeding regional averages. In the Demerara-Berbice Interconnected System, peak demand rose from approximately 205 megawatts in 2024 to 242.6 megawatts by August 2026. In Anna Regina, demand increased by roughly 109 percent to 12 megawatts. Projections suggest demand could rise by 138 percent by 2029, driven by industrial growth, construction, and new housing developments.

The current strain leaves little room for routine maintenance, as generators are operating near maximum capacity to meet demand. President Ali described the situation as a “critical issue,” stating that the government must shift from merely reacting to demand to building infrastructure ahead of projected growth to prevent further instability.