Guyana is on the brink of a significant surge in electricity demand, with projections indicating a rise from 222 megawatts (MW) in 2025 to 1,575 MW by 2030. This sevenfold increase was highlighted by Guyana Power & Light (GPL) during a recent presentation to the Public Utilities Commission.
Electricity Demand Forecast
This year, peak electricity demand is expected to reach approximately 286 MW. By 2030, electricity consumption is anticipated to grow nearly sixfold, with an estimated offtake of 9,850 gigawatt-hours (GWh). In comparison, the offtake for the previous year was just 1,485 GWh.
Economic Drivers
The surge in power demand is largely attributed to Guyana’s booming oil sector, which is anticipated to keep the country’s GDP growth at the highest levels in the region. The World Bank forecasts GDP growth rates of 19.6% in 2026 and 21.9% in 2027, showcasing the robust economic landscape.
Customer Growth and Infrastructure Development
- Projected number of customers served by GPL: 305,800 by 2039.
- Current customer base: 244,124 in 2025.
To accommodate the increasing demand, GPL plans to enhance its infrastructure significantly. This includes:
- Adding over 1,600 MW of firm power capacity.
- Integrating more than 100 MW of solar generation paired with battery energy storage systems.
- Developing gas-to-energy projects.
- Executing the 165 MW Amaila Falls hydro project.
Expansion and modernization of the transmission and distribution grid are also critical components of GPL’s strategy. The focus on enhancing distributed generation capabilities reflects an understanding of the evolving energy landscape.
