Dominican Republic Company, InterEnergy is still awaiting word on a proposal made last year that promises to upgrade and transform this country’s power distribution system in two years thus eliminating blackouts, Santo Domingo’s Ambassador to Guyana, Ernesto Torres says.
“The proposal submitted to GPL (Guyana Power and Light) by InterEnergy Group outlines support in modernizing and expanding the distribution network, reducing system losses, and increasing operational efficiency. The proposal outlines a 24-month transformation programme focused on three core areas…,” Torres told Stabroek News in an interview yesterday.
He added that while the proposal is pending, InterEnergy, a subsidiary of the Dominican Repub-lic’s private electricity company, CEPM that distributes power to over 5M in that country’s tourist-heavy areas, has already committed “significant time and resources to understand the challenges and has positioned a multidisciplinary team ready to assist”.
With general elections just under three months away, it is unlikely that progress will be made on this proposal.
Guyana Power and Light Company (GPL) Chief Executive Officer Kesh Nandlall told this newspaper yesterday that the proposal is with government but that the utility company has a number of tenders out while some are being evaluated, even as he informed that monies for some of those projects will come from the $28.7b approved by the National Assembly last month.
“They have submitted a proposal to the government of Guyana for provision of technical and support services to the energy sector and cabinet is currently reviewing their proposal,” Nandlall said.
He explained that InterEnergy’s proposal would fall under contracts that deal with special projects and tenders for those had been advertised according to procurement laws and bids received.
“We have tendered out for these projects… and those tenders are in the final process of evaluation and award for management of these large projects,” he said.
On January 16, 2024, InterEnergy Group (IEG) and GPL signed a memorandum of understanding, to share knowledge and experience in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity, the implementation of smart metering systems, and in the management of electrical systems and assets.
InterEnergy said that it can bring extensive expertise in managing generation assets, improving operations and maintenance (O&M), and optimizing transmission and distribution systems. “IEG’s team has operational experience across the Caribbean—including in the Dominican Repub-lic, Haiti, and Mozam-bique—and is well-positioned to support Guy-ana in modernizing its energy infrastructure through a comprehensive, technically rigorous approach,” the DR’s Envoy said.
Asked what the proposal to GPL entails, Torres said that part of it deals with project management for transmission and distribution, including skilled labour to oversee the existing expansion plan and optimize the electrical grid.
“Generation asset management and O&M improvement, involving audits, supervision of overhauls for 106 MW of Wartsila plants, and recommendations for long- term reliability. Strategic advisory on integrated systems, including reviewing and modeling the entire electricity system to ensure long-term stability, reliability, and growth aligned with Guyana’s development goals,” he stated.
“The programme also includes detailed technical assessments, demand forecasting to 2030, investment planning, and the deployment of a 22-person team of professionals in Guyana, backed by CEPM in the Dominican Republic,” he added.
He said that his country has developed significant expertise in power generation diversification, particularly in integrating renewable energy sources such as hydropower, solar, wind and biomass into its national grid.
Additionally, it has “advanced in grid modernization, energy efficiency, and public-private partnerships for infrastructure development. These competencies could support Guyana’s ongoing energy transition by offering technical expertise, investment models, and project collaboration—especially as Guyana seeks to optimize its grid reliability and integrate renewable sources alongside its upcoming gas-to-energy initiatives.”
Torres said that last month the Dominican Republic Embassy here had to report misinformation being peddled on social media that one of its companies was given a contract here and that Guyanese jobs were on the line. “When we saw this post we immediately reported it to our government…” he said.
“Nothing of that sort has been out. Nothing has been signed,” he stressed.
He said that to malign nationals in countries its companies function is not how Santo Domingo operates and that it took umbrage at the lies being peddled.
InterEnergy’s website says that it operates a diverse portfolio that encompasses various energy assets, including renewable energy projects, thermal power plants, integrated utility services and electric mobility businesses spread across the Americas. “ InterEnergy’s strategic acquisitions and initiatives underscore its dedication to providing reliable, cost-effective, and clean energy solutions across to empower business and families,” the company states.
The company informs that wherever it invests, ”we play an important role in the economic and social development of countries, markets and communities.”
“Our wholly-owned subsidiary, CEPM, has contributed to the fast-growing tourism sector in the Dominican Republic, providing power to 65% of the country’s hotel rooms. We’ve served the Bavaro, Punta Cana, Macao, Uvero Alto, Miches, Bayahibe and La Romana resort areas for the past 30 years, propelling the region to become world-class holiday destinations,” it added.
Guyana has been plagued with transmission and distribution problems for decades with attendant blackouts. Upgrading of the system is underway in anticipation of the huge gas to energy project.
