A significant reduction of the total energy consumed can be achieved through sustainable energy efficiency programmes and strategies. The Government will promote conservation and efficient use of energy, provide information to encourage behavioural changes for sustainable energy consumption, and encourage the use of energy-efficient technologies based on performance standards.
Since 2006, the Government has supported the replacement of incandescent bulbs with energy-saving bulbs, with special programs for hinterland households. Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) and light-emitting diode (LED) lamps have been fully exempted from import duties and the Value Added Tax (VAT) has been zero-rated to make energyefficient lighting technologies more affordable and accessible.
28,390 LED lights were installed in households and commercial businesses in the Hinterland regions of Kwakwani, Lethem, Mahdia, Mabaruma, Port Kaituma and Matthew’s Ridge and government buildings across Guyana. During 2022 and 2023, an additional 34,450 LED lights will be installed for residents and businesses of Bartica, Linden, Wakenaam, and Leguan.
In 2013, a program was started to improve the efficiency of the streetlights, repairing defective photocells, and replacing inefficient bulbs with LED. Energy audits in public buildings have been carried out, which resulted in reduced energy bills by installing LED bulbs, occupancy sensors, and inverter-type A/C units.
A Regional Energy Efficiency Building Code (REEBC) was adopted as a national standard to foster energy-efficient building designs to reduce energy consumption in the built environment. The codes focus on the building’s envelope, cooling system, ventilation, pumping, lighting, and the service water heating systems in buildings. Several other standards have been adopted, including energy labelling standards for CFLs and LEDs (GYS 577 – 2021) and Air Conditioners (GYS 578 – 2021) and a standard for energy management systems (GYS 503: 2019) all to promote energy efficiency and conservation of energy.
The incorporation of Energy Efficiency measures will be improved and enhanced to:
- Continue with the program to replace inefficient bulbs with LEDs for households and streetlights.
- Promote Energy Labelling standards for appliances.
- Adopt low carbon building codes for the residential and commercial sectors, which will include the designing and testing of solutions adapted for the local environment accompanied by capacity building for building designers, material and equipment suppliers, contractors, surveyors and regulators. The codes would promote the incorporation of passive and active systems which are used for optimizing energy and water consumption as well as occupant comfort. Initially, the code would be voluntary for the residential sector, but consideration will be given to making it mandatory for commercial buildings.
- Promote the use of energy efficiency and climate-friendly cooling equipment for the residential, commercial and industrial sectors, including the development of a plan to phase-down the use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) gases in refrigeration equipment.