Minister Indar: Sudden and prolonged blackouts being addressed

The Ministry of Public Utilities and Aviation is implementing measures to prevent sudden disruptions in electricity supply and reduce prolonged power outages, Minister Deodat Indar said on Tuesday.
Speaking during budget estimates in the National Assembly, Indar said a $2 billion programme will fund upgrades at the Sophia substation, including the rehabilitation of transmission lines there and along the East Bank corridor.
While work continues to deliver power from the Wales power plant, Indar said the current system must be safeguarded against shocks that can trigger widespread outages. He cited examples such as rodents entering transformers or vehicles damaging transmission lines, which can collapse the entire grid.
To further stabilise supply, the ministry has budgeted $25 billion to subsidise the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) and additional funds for hinterland power outlets, cushioning operational costs amid volatile fuel prices. Indar noted that GPL spends $543 million for every $1 increase in fuel costs, which the subsidies aim to offset without passing the burden onto consumers.
The ministry is also taking steps to hold contractors and drivers accountable for damage to infrastructure, with fines and court-ordered compensation already imposed in some cases.
Indar said improvements to reporting systems are being prioritised to ensure disruptions are identified and addressed as quickly as possible.