The Grenada Electricity Services Ltd. (GRENLEC) says an alternative form of energy is presently being studied as a cost cutting measure due to a huge increase in oil prices in recent times.

This was disclosed by the company's General Manager Vernon Lawrence during a luncheon hosted for media practitioners at the Flamboyant Hotel last Friday.

He pointed out that the price of oil on the international market is at its highest and the possibility does exist that a reduction is a long way coming. Lawrence said it is one of the reasons GRENLEC is looking at the wind as an alternative source of energy.

He disclosed that the company has identified three prospective sites from which they will monitor their wind gauges in the next two years and that they are looking to purchase the equipment next year. The General Manager also used the occasion to unveil a ten- year plan aimed at improving its transmission and generation in order to bring a better and more reliable service to current and potential users.

According to Lawrence, GRENLEC plans to add 37 mega watts to boost its present generation capacity with the aim of meeting the demands of its customers for a more reliable and efficient supply of electricity.

The present generation capacity is 38.8 mega watts with a peak demand of 25.5 mega watts. He pointed out that because consumers are purchasing more items that use electricity, the company has to increase its supply capacity to meet the needs of customers.

The General Manager disclosed that the expansion will be done in four phases. Lawrence said that by 2013 five new generators will be installed to replace old machines at its Queen's Park Power Station.

He noted that the plan entails the development of a transmission network, with substations located at Queen's Park, St. Patrick's, Grenville and Grand Anse that will supply the load centers in those areas.
The company is presently looking at ways to begin the first phase of its transmission development from Queens Park to Woodlands. Lawrence said that although the new system will result in a more efficient supply of electricity by 2010, consumers must be aware that conservation is still the best way to save on energy.