Customers can now check themselves for possible load shedding

De N.V. EnergieBedrijven Suriname (Suriname’s energy company) announced a new option on September 14 allowing customers to check whether their connection is included in that day’s schedule for possible load shedding. The EBS load shedding 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 being listed does not mean that the electricity will definitely be switched off. EBS stresses that this is an indicative schedule that is used only when load shedding is actually necessary. Current electricity demand and available generation capacity ultimately determine how many areas need to be disconnected.

Customers are therefore asked to 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.

Load shedding becomes more predictable, but offers no guarantee

The new method is primarily an improvement in the provision of information. Key News reported on August 31 that households and businesses found it difficult to prepare 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 increase in consumption, a malfunction or less available generation, additional disconnections may be necessary. The new portal therefore provides more insight, but does not make load shedding 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 August 25 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 left without power in rotation for at least three hours if disconnection 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 lack 60 to 80 megawatts of generation capacity. Peak demand is expected to be around 280 megawatts this year, while new production 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 currently also being affected by work at the Afobaka hydroelectric power plant. Key News reported on September 14 that one of the six turbines is out of service due to modernisation work. According to SPCS director Eddy Frankel, EBS can therefore draw around 130 megawatts from Afobaka during peak hours, compared with around 160 megawatts under normal conditions.

Work on the turbine is running about two months behind the original schedule. SPCS expects that this turbine can be brought back into operation in the first week of October. To partially offset the temporary difference, supply from the thermal 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 the power shortage

The new checking 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 said earlier in De Nationale Assemblée (Suriname’s parliament) that an estimated US$ 500 million is needed to structurally expand electricity generation. According to him, the 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 load shedding, according to EBS. The company asks households and businesses to limit consumption wherever 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 load shedding

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 on 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 entrepreneurs, this information can help them take earlier measures for cooling, internet, equipment and other necessary provisions. At the same time, it remains important to take changes into account. A connection that is on the list may ultimately still retain electricity, while the situation on the grid can change rapidly in the event of unexpected problems.

Practice must demonstrate reliability of the schedule

The introduction of the daily check makes communication around load shedding more concrete than it was a few weeks ago. The coming period will mainly show how current the lists remain when the load changes rapidly and whether customers can in fact anticipate possible power outages earlier as a result.