Customers can now check themselves for possible load shedding

On 14 September, N.V. EnergieBedrijven Suriname announced a new option allowing customers to check whether their connection appears on that day’s schedule for possible loadshedding. The EBS loadshedding portal can be searched using the meter number or connection number. The system then indicates whether the connection appears on the current list.

The main limitation is that appearing on the list does not mean that the electricity will definitely be switched off. EBS stresses that it is an indicative schedule that is used only when loadshedding is actually necessary. Current electricity demand and available generation capacity ultimately determine how many areas must be disconnected.

Customers are therefore asked to carry out the check twice a day. The information available in the morning and around midday relates to possible outages in the morning and afternoon. In the late afternoon, EBS enters a new schedule for the evening hours. Those who check only early in the day may therefore miss a later change.

Loadshedding becomes more predictable, but offers no guarantee

The new approach is primarily an improvement in the provision of information. Key News reported on 31 August that households and businesses had difficulty preparing for power outages because there was no fixed schedule. EBS can determine in advance which lines are eligible for disconnection, but not always how many lines actually need to be switched off at a given time.

This is because the load on the grid changes continuously. When electricity consumption is lower than expected, EBS may need to disconnect fewer connection areas. In the event of a sudden rise in consumption, a malfunction or less available generation, additional disconnections may be necessary. The new portal therefore provides more insight, but does not make loadshedding fully predictable.

Lack of reserve capacity remains at the core of the problem

The current problems became visible again at the end of August. EBS reported on 25 August that electricity consumption had risen more sharply than forecast and that no reserve capacity was available. The company then warned that areas in Paramaribo, Para, Wanica, Commewijne and Saramacca could be without electricity for at least three hours at a time if disconnections became necessary.

The Energie Autoriteit Suriname also pointed to a more structural problem. Director Anand Kalpoe stated at the end of August that Suriname is estimated to be short of 60 to 80 megawatts of generation capacity. Peak demand is expected to be around 280 megawatts this year, while new generation capacity cannot be realised in the short term. Read Key News’ earlier analysis of the capacity shortage here.

The new EBS portal provides guidance, but the current grid load determines whether the power actually goes out.

Afobaka temporarily delivers less capacity

Pressure on the electricity supply is also currently being affected by work at the Afobaka hydroelectric power plant. Key News reported on 14 September that one of the six turbines is out of service due to modernisation work. According to SPCS director Eddy Frankel, EBS can therefore draw about 130 megawatts from Afobaka during peak hours, compared with about 160 megawatts under normal circumstances.

The turbine work is running about two months behind the original schedule. SPCS expects this turbine to be returned to service in the first week of October. To partly compensate for the temporary difference, supply from the thermal power plant at Tout Lui Faut has been increased. This reduces the pressure, but does not eliminate the broader shortage of available capacity.

Portal is not a solution to electricity shortage

The new check function should therefore primarily be seen as a communication tool. It does not solve the shortage of generation and reserve capacity. Minister David Abiamofo of Natuurlijke Hulpbronnen previously said in De Nationale Assemblée (Suriname’s parliament) that an estimated US$ 500 million is needed to structurally expand electricity generation. According to him, implementation of major projects takes around two to three years.

In the short term, energy conservation remains an important means of reducing the likelihood of loadshedding, according to EBS. The company asks households and businesses to limit consumption where possible, especially when demand is high. Less simultaneous use of heavy electrical appliances can reduce peak load, although this does not change the need to structurally expand generation capacity.

How to check your connection for possible loadshedding

Customers can first choose on the EBS portal whether to search using their meter number or connection number. After entering the number, the system shows whether the connection is included in the current schedule. Because the evening schedule is entered later in the day, EBS advises checking again once the schedule for the evening hours becomes available.

For households, healthcare institutions and businesses, that information can help them take earlier measures for cooling, internet, equipment and other essential services. At the same time, it remains important to take changes into account. A connection on the list may ultimately retain power, while the situation on the grid can change quickly in the event of unexpected problems.

Practice must show reliability of schedule

The introduction of the daily check makes communication around loadshedding more concrete than it was a few weeks ago. The coming period will mainly show how up to date the lists remain when the load changes rapidly and whether this enables customers to anticipate possible power outages earlier.