Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) on Thursday (November 12, 2026) signed a US$11.4 million contract to replace the power lines between the Garden of Eden and Golden Grove substations on the East Bank of Demerara.
The existing lines, known as L1 and L3, have been in service for more than 30 years. The upgrade will allow GPL to carry more electricity between the two substations and improve reliability for customers served by this part of the network.
Team Leader of GPL’s Executive Management Committee, Mr. Kesh Nandlall, signed the contract with Mr. Chen Yu of the CRIG–DINGLI Joint Venture, which brings together China Railway International Group Co., Ltd. (CRIG) and Henan Dingli Power Equipment Co., Ltd.
GPL selected the contractor through a competitive international bidding process under Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) rules. The project forms part of the Strengthening Energy Matrix Diversification Programme (GY-L1066), which the IDB partially finances.
The project will rebuild approximately 11 kilometres of the existing route as a 69-kilovolt overhead transmission line. The new steel poles will be supported by deep foundations suited to local soil and weather conditions. Each pole will carry two electrical circuits, giving GPL more flexibility to keep power flowing if one circuit has to be taken out of service.
Replacing ageing poles, wires and fittings will reduce the risk of equipment failures that can interrupt electricity supply. The new lines will also carry more power, helping GPL meet growing demand from homes, businesses and industry.
The added capacity will support future connections to the network, including new sources of electricity such as solar power.The project also includes fibre-optic cables that will help GPL monitor the line and detect and respond to faults faster. This can help shorten interruptions when faults occur.
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