Electricity theft is not a victimless crime; it is a pervasive issue that undermines the efficiency of Guyana’s energy sector, imposes financial burdens on law-abiding citizens, and hampers national development. While the Guyana Power and Light Inc (GPL) mitigated power outages during the 2024 holiday season, the stark reality remains that the company lost a staggering 25 per cent of total electricity generated — half of which stemmed from commercial losses, including electricity theft. This problem demands urgent attention and collective action, as its repercussions extend far beyond the immediate financial losses to GPL. Electricity theft is more than just tapping into a power line illegally; it represents a breach of social trust and responsibility. Minister within the Public Works Ministry, Deodat Indar, aptly described the reality as individuals bypassing meters, tapping into power lines directly, or sharing one legitimate meter among an entire community. These practices, while seemingly inconsequential to the perpetrators, have severe consequences for the nation.
The 12.5 percent commercial losses incurred by GPL translate into higher costs for legitimate consumers, as honest citizens bear the brunt of these losses through increased electricity rates as the company struggles to offset its financial shortfall. This vicious cycle perpetuates inequity, penalizing those who play by the rules while rewarding dishonest behaviour.
Moreover, electricity theft undermines the reliability of the power grid. Illegal connections overload transformers and other infrastructure, causing damage that leads to service disruptions. These outages affect homes, businesses, and essential services, creating a ripple effect of inconvenience and financial loss across communities. The Government, through the oversight of Prime Minister Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips and the Public Works Ministry, has taken creditable steps to address the issue. Modernizing the energy infrastructure is a central strategy in this fight. Plans to invest US$750 million in 2025 to build and modernise the transmission system would help reduce line losses and improve monitoring capabilities. Similarly, the transition to a smart grid system is an essential move. By replacing outdated meters with modern, tamper-proof ones, GPL can remotely monitor electricity usage and identify illegal connections in real time. This technological advancement would not only reduce electricity theft, but would also enhance GPL’s operational efficiency.
However, technological solutions alone are not enough. Effective inspection and enforcement mechanisms are equally critical. GPL must continue its efforts to conduct regular audits and inspections, particularly in areas with high rates of electricity theft. Those found guilty of stealing electricity should face appropriate legal consequences, sending a strong message that this crime would not be tolerated.
While Government initiatives and GPL’s modernisation efforts are vital, the fight against electricity theft cannot succeed without the active participation of society. Citizens must recognize that this is not merely an issue for the utility company to resolve; it is a shared responsibility. Communities should take pride in safeguarding their local energy resources. Reporting incidents of electricity theft, supporting legal electricity connections, and educating others about the consequences of such crimes are small but impactful steps individuals can take. Faith-based organizations, schools, and community groups can also play a role in spreading awareness and fostering a culture of accountability. In addition, GPL should enhance its public education campaigns to underscore the personal and societal costs of electricity theft. Many perpetrators may not fully comprehend the damage their actions cause, believing it to be a harmless act of survival. Electricity theft is not just an economic issue; it is a crime against Guyana’s development. As the country moves forward with its development goals, every citizen has a role to play in ensuring these goals are realized. The fight against electricity theft is a fight for fairness, and persons who know of persons stealing electricity should condemn this crime, not just in words, but through such actions as reporting electricity theft.
