Wiktor Wise
The Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission (T&TEC) is responsible for supplying power and electricity to Trinidad and Tobago. Electricity generation in the country is primarily from natural gas, which is burned to produce steam and generate electricity. Trinidad Generation Unlimited (TGU) operates a 720MW combined cycle power plant, supplying approximately 50% of the country's electrical energy. The country has transitioned from an oil-based economy to one reliant on natural gas, with a single electricity grid supplying power to the entire country.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Primary Source of Electricity | Natural Gas |
| % of Energy Mix from Natural Gas in 2021 | 93.2% |
| Electricity Generation Companies | T&TEC, TGU, Trinity Power Ltd., Power Generation Company of Trinidad and Tobago |
| Electricity Distributors | T&TEC |
| Independent Power Producers | MaruEnergy Trinidad L.L.C., NEL Power Holdings Limited |
| Electricity Access | 100% |
| Electricity Transmission | Single electricity grid |
| Number of Domestic, Commercial, and Industrial Consumers | >450,000 |
| Primary Gas Provider | National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago (NGC) |
| Largest Gas Supplier | BP Trinidad and Tobago Oil and Gas Exploration and Development |
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What You'll Learn
The Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission (T&TEC)
Over the years, T&TEC's role has evolved. Initially functioning as an integrated power company, it now primarily focuses on the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of the country's electrical transmission and distribution network. The actual generation of electricity is now the responsibility of Independent Power Producers (IPPs). An example of this shift is the Point Lisas Power Station, which was opened in 1977 to supply power to emerging industries in the Point Lisas Industrial Estate.
T&TEC has embraced digital transformation by providing customers with online service convenience. Customers can manage their T&TEC accounts through a web portal or mobile app, accessing various services without visiting a service centre. Additionally, the QuickPay facility enables anyone to make payments quickly and easily without the need for a login.
T&TEC has played a significant role in the history of electricity in Trinidad and Tobago. The country's early electricity history is linked to public transport, dating back to 1882. In 1886, local businessmen were granted a franchise to operate an Electric Power Station and tramway system in Port of Spain. The Electric Light and Power Company was formed in 1894, and the following year, electricity was installed in Trinidad for the first time, illuminating landmarks like the original Queens Park Hotel and the Princess Building.
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Natural gas as the primary source
Natural gas is the primary source of electricity in Trinidad and Tobago, accounting for over 93% of the energy mix as of 2021. The country's energy development began in the late 19th century and has evolved significantly over the years. The use of natural gas as the main source of electricity generation is a result of the country's transition from an oil-based economy to one predominantly reliant on natural gas.
The process of generating electricity from natural gas involves burning the gas to release heat energy, which is then used to produce steam. This steam is directed towards a steam turbine connected to an electrical generator, ultimately producing electricity. In some cases, the steam cycle is bypassed, and the heated gas directly drives the turbine.
Trinidad Generation Unlimited (TGU) is a key player in this sector, operating a 720MW combined cycle (CC) power generation plant in La Brea. TGU is the second-largest producer in the country and currently supplies approximately 50% of Trinidad and Tobago's electrical energy. The plant consists of six General Electric (GE) gas turbines with a combined output of 450 MW. The waste heat from these turbines is utilised by Heat Recovery Steam Generators to produce additional steam.
Another notable entity is Trinity Power Ltd., a wholly privately-owned wholesale power generator with a capacity of 225 MW. This company is located in the Point Lisas Industrial Estate, which has been a significant hub for electricity generation since the establishment of the Point Lisas Power Station in 1977.
The Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission (T&TEC), established in 1946, plays a pivotal role in managing electricity generation and distribution. While T&TEC initially focused on generation, transmission, and distribution, its emphasis has shifted towards the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of the country's electrical transmission and distribution network. T&TEC continues to be responsible for supplying power to over 450,000 consumers, utilising a single electricity grid to provide bulk power to Trinidad and Tobago.
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Trinidad Generation Unlimited (TGU)
In Trinidad and Tobago, electricity generation is primarily sourced from natural gas. Natural gas is burnt to release heat energy, which is then used to produce steam. This steam is used to turn a steam turbine connected to an electrical generator, thus producing electricity.
The TGU facility is a combined-cycle (CC) power generation plant, originally developed as a joint venture between the AES Corporation and the Government of Trinidad and Tobago. However, following the 2008 financial market collapse, the government assumed majority ownership and responsibility for financing the project. The facility cost approximately $US740 million, or $TT4.7 billion. TGU's plant consists of six GE gas turbines with a combined output of 450 MW. The waste heat from these gas turbines is captured by six Heat Recovery Steam Generators to produce steam, which is then used to power two steam turbines.
TGU's continued collaboration with the Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission (T&TEC) has ensured the successful completion of maintenance exercises and upgrades to the Distributed Control System (DCS). T&TEC, established in 1945, was responsible for the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity throughout Trinidad and Tobago. Over time, T&TEC's focus shifted to the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of the country's electrical transmission and distribution network, while generation is now undertaken by Independent Power Producers (IPPs).
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The history of electricity in Trinidad
The Beginnings of Electricity in Trinidad
In 1882, public transport was introduced in Trinidad, closely followed by the electrification of the country. In December 1886, a group of local businessmen were granted a 20-year franchise to operate an Electric Power Station and tramway system in Port of Spain. This marked the beginning of the country's journey towards electrification.
Electricity Reaches Trinidad
In 1894, Edgar Tripp formed the Electric Light and Power Company, and in March 1895, electricity was installed in Trinidad for the first time. The original Queens Park Hotel and the Princess Building were among the first buildings to be illuminated by electric lights.
Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission (T&TEC):
In 1945, the Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission (T&TEC) was established through the T&TEC Ordinance No. 42. Its primary role was to generate and distribute electricity beyond the city of Port of Spain and the town of San Fernando. T&TEC commenced operations on January 1, 1946, supplying electricity to 6,613 customers through a single power station on Wrightson Road.
Expansion and Growth:
In 1946, electricity reached Tobago for the first time. Over the following years, T&TEC worked to expand the electricity supply across the island. In 1952, a new power station was opened in Darrel Spring Road, and the Commission began generating electricity in Tobago. The supply was extended to the Central and Southern parts of Trinidad, reaching areas like Brighton and Santa Flora.
Meeting Growing Demand:
The oil boom in the 1970s led to an increased demand for power. T&TEC responded by constructing a new Gas Line and installing additional generating units at the Port of Spain Power Station. In 1977, the Point Lisas Power Station was inaugurated to cater to the emerging industries in the Point Lisas Industrial Estate.
Recent Developments:
In more recent times, Trinidad has seen the emergence of new power producers. Trinidad Generation Unlimited (TGU) operates a 720MW combined-cycle power plant, supplying approximately 50% of the country's electricity. Trinity Power Ltd., acquired by ContourGlobal in 2020, is another key player in the industry. Additionally, the Cove Power Station, owned by T&TEC, began operations in 2009, providing an upgraded power supply to Tobago.
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Independent power producers
In Trinidad and Tobago, electricity generation is primarily sourced from natural gas. Over the years, the Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission (T&TEC) has shifted from an integrated power company to an organisation focused on the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of the country's electrical transmission and distribution network. The generation of electricity is now largely undertaken by independent power producers (IPPs).
One notable IPP in Trinidad and Tobago is Trinidad Generation Unlimited (TGU). TGU operates a 720MW combined-cycle (CC) power generation plant on approximately 16 hectares of land at Union Industrial Estate in La Brea. It is the largest combined-cycle power generation plant in the Caribbean and currently supplies approximately 50% of the country's electrical energy. TGU is an independently operated parastatal that manages a single power plant and is the second-largest producer in Trinidad and Tobago.
Another key IPP is Trinity Power Limited (TPL) or Trinity Power Ltd., owned by US-based Carib Power Management LLC. It is a small private independent power and infrastructure company with expertise in power generation, natural gas exploration, and transportation and infrastructure projects. TPL's facility consists of six General Electric (GE) simple-cycle gas turbines with a combined output of 225 MW. The plant also has a 1.5 MW black start diesel generator.
In addition to TGU and TPL, there are other IPPs contributing to the country's electricity supply. For example, the Cove Power Station, owned by T&TEC and located on the smaller island of Tobago, has been in operation since October 2009. This 64 MW Wärtsilä natural gas and diesel power plant helps reduce transmission losses on electric power transmission underground marine cables between the islands. It also provides bulk power upgrades to Tobago, previously supplied by the Scarborough Power Station, which had a lower capacity of 21 MW and relied solely on diesel fuel.
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Frequently asked questions
Natural gas is the primary source of electricity in Trinidad, accounting for over 93% of the energy mix as of 2021.
The Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission (T&TEC) is responsible for the supply of power and electricity to the country.
The independent power suppliers in Trinidad include the Power Generation Company of Trinidad and Tobago, and Trinity Power, a US-owned consortium.
As of 2022, Trinidad and Tobago achieved 100% electricity access, reflecting its commitment to meeting both domestic and industrial energy needs.
