The Linden Electricity Company Inc. (LECI) yesterday issued a public statement to explain the intermittent power outages currently affecting the community, reassuring residents that the company is implementing immediate measures to manage the situation while long-term solutions are under development.
The Cause of the Blackouts
LECI confirms that the recent disruptions are due to a critical generation shortfall. The company’s current maximum available generation capacity stands at 14.5 Megawatts (MW) . However, over the past few weeks, the community’s peak demand has surged past the 15 MW threshold, outpacing the available supply.
This rapid increase in demand is primarily attributed to the ongoing El Niño weather phenomenon, which has brought significantly higher-than-normal temperatures to the region. The extreme heat has led to a substantial uptick in the use of cooling equipment, particularly air conditioning units, placing unprecedented strain on the grid.
A History of Growth
LECI notes that prior to this weather-driven spike, the Linden community has already been experiencing consistent demand growth due to positive economic development, including the expansion of housing schemes and new business enterprises. While this growth is welcome news for the community, it has accelerated the timeline for required infrastructure upgrades.
Long-Term Solutions Underway
The Government of Guyana has been proactive in preparing for the community’s energy needs. A major 15 MW solar PV farm project is currently in the works to bolster Linden’s power supply. The first phase of this solar installation is scheduled for commissioning by the end of 2026. However, the unexpected and sudden demand surge driven by the El Niño weather pattern has arrived ahead of this scheduled deployment, creating a temporary gap between supply and consumption.
Immediate Temporary Measures
To prevent a total grid collapse and protect the system’s integrity, LECI has been forced to implement scheduled load-shedding (rolling blackouts) during peak demand periods. These outages are being carefully managed to rotate across the community, ensuring that no single area bears the burden for an extended period. The Government had requested, and got the general agreement of Linden sawmillers, to operate between the hours of 10:00 pm to 11:00 am daily, which is the period of lower demand.
In addition, LECI is currently in active discussions with its generation supplier to secure additional, immediate generation capacity to bridge the gap until the solar farm comes online. The company is working diligently to find a solution that mitigates the inconvenience to residents as quickly as possible.
A Call for Patience and Conservation
LECI is appealing to consumers for their patience and understanding during this challenging period. The company is also urging all residents and businesses to assist in reducing the strain on the system by conserving electricity as much as possible.
Residents are encouraged to:
- Set air conditioning units to higher, energy-efficient temperatures.
- Turn off lights and appliances when not in use.
- Limit the use of high-energy appliances during peak daylight hours.
The management of LECI understand the frustration that comes with power interruptions, and we sincerely apologize for the inconvenience. We are in a race against time to bridge this demand gap, and we are committed to keeping the community informed as we, with support from Government, work with our supplier to stabilize the grid.
