Opposition Member of Parliament Ganesh Mahipaul has written to Speaker of the National Assembly Manzoor Nadir seeking permission to ask an Oral Question Without Notice regarding the future of the powership arrangements that currently supply electricity to Guyana’s national grid.
In a letter dated June 4, 2026, Mahipaul said the matter is one of “urgent public importance” and should be raised during the 4th Sitting of the National Assembly scheduled for tomorrow, Friday, June 5.
The opposition parliamentarian cited recent reports indicating that the principal Powership Time Charter Plus Agreement expired on May 21, 2026, and that the Government subsequently sought an extension while negotiations for a new arrangement were being pursued. He noted reports suggesting that only a limited extension was granted, creating uncertainty about the continued operation of the vessels.
Mahipaul argued that the issue warrants immediate attention given GPL’s continued reliance on the two powerships to meet national electricity demand and prevent widespread blackouts and load shedding.
He further noted that the powerships were intended to serve as a temporary solution pending the completion and commissioning of the Gas-to-Energy Project, which has not yet become operational or begun supplying electricity to the national grid.
In his proposed question to Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation Deodat Indar, Mahipaul is seeking clarification on whether the Government has commenced negotiations to renew or extend the powership contracts.
He is also asking whether the operators of the powerships have requested additional payments beyond the existing contractual terms, and if so, the amount being sought and the basis for those demands.
Additionally, Mahipaul wants the minister to disclose whether the Government has assessed the potential impact on the national grid should either or both powerships cease operations before the Gas-to-Energy Project comes online.
The opposition MP is also seeking details on measures being implemented to ensure that consumers and businesses are not subjected to renewed blackouts and load shedding in the event of any disruption to the powership arrangements.
