To accelerate the transition to renewable energy and achieve Guyana’s low-carbon development goals, the Government of Guyana continues to invest in several initiatives.
A Department of Public Information (DPI) report noted that these national efforts aim to diversify the energy sector while expanding access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy across the country.
A major initiative benefitting citizens is the Grid-tied and Net-Billing Programme. This initiative empowers households and institutions to install and use rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) technology to meet their energy needs, reduce utility costs, and contribute to a more resilient and sustainable energy future.
It is spearheaded by the Guyana Power and Light Incorporated (GPL Inc.) and implemented nationwide in collaboration with the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA). Since the initiative was launched, GPL and GEA have been working closely as government stakeholders to advance grid-tie solar PV opportunities in Guyana and promote the adoption of renewable energy technologies and sustainable solutions.
It is important to raise consumer awareness of these initiatives so they can understand the specific requirements for safe and effective installations, adopt the necessary measures to benefit from the Grid-tied and Net-Billing Programme and support the country’s transition to renewable energy.
Grid-tied Solar PV and Net-Billing Programme
Grid-tied systems integrate a building’s solar PV system directly into GPL’s network. These systems operate by capturing solar energy through photovoltaic arrays, which are then converted by an inverter to power the building’s electrical load. Any excess energy is sent to the utility grid.
The Net-Billing Programme allows customers with grid-tied solar PV systems to earn credits for any excess electricity that is fed from their PV system back into the utility grid. It provides an additional financial incentive for renewable energy adoption while helping consumers manage electricity costs and contribute to living sustainably.
A customer with a grid-tied installation is referred to as a ‘prosumer’. The grid-tied and net-billing arrangement is formalised between GPL and the prosumer through the signing of a Standard Offer Contract (SOC), which outlines the relevant terms and conditions. Under this arrangement, GPL will compensate the prosumer for any excess energy exported to the utility grid.
Energy Credits Bank
During the electricity billing period, if the value of the excess energy sent to GPL by the prosumer (received energy charge) exceeds the value of the electricity used by the prosumer (delivered energy charge), then the difference is credited to the prosumer’s Energy Credits Bank and can be applied to offset future electricity bills.
On the other hand, if the value of the electricity used by the prosumer (delivered energy charge) exceeds the value of the excess energy sent to GPL’s grid by the prosumer (received energy charge), then the credits (if available) can be withdrawn from the Energy Credits Bank to reduce or settle net energy charge.
At the end of each 12-month period, any unused credit remaining in the Energy Credits Bank will be paid to the prosumer at 90 per cent of the current tariff rate, after deducting any outstanding amounts owed to GPL.
GPL has outlined several requirements in its Interim Technical Guidelines for solar PV grid-tied installations and customers seeking to establish an interconnection agreement. These guidelines cover compliance standards, system sizing and assessment protocols for larger systems.
Guyana, guided by the goals outlined in the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030, remains committed to making sustainable energy development a national priority. This commitment aims to harness our abundant natural energy sources, reduce carbon emissions and pollution, and stimulate economic growth.
The grid-tied and net-billing initiatives support Guyana’s long-term shift to renewable energy solutions, contributing to a greener, more sustainable, and low-carbon future, the report stated.
