Ensure citizens understand their rights – Pres Ali to PUC, Public Service Appellate Tribunal

In keeping with Government’s commitment to support the work of the Public Utilities Commission (PUC): to improve the quality of public services provided to citizens, President Dr Irfaan Ali has disclosed plans to strengthen the agency’s regulatory framework.
The Head of State made this announcement during the swearing-in ceremony of Dr Nanda Gopaul as new Chairman of the PUC, and Justice of Appeal (retired) BS Roy as Chairman of the Public Service Appellate Tribunal.
“The Government is prepared to support efforts at strengthening the country’s regulatory framework in relation to public utilities, so (as) to allow the PUC to better discharge its mandate in a more modernized economy. The quality of public utilities can act as either an incentive or disincentive for attracting investment. Improved utility services ensure that businesses can operate with fewer disruptions, reduce operational costs, tap into new opportunities, and acquire competitive edges,” the President announced.

The Public Utilities Commission is empowered by several Acts, including the Public Utilities Commission Act, the Guyana Energy Agency Act, the Electricity Sector Reform Act, and the Telecommunications Act. These laws mandate the PUC to regulate, investigate and enforce standards that maintain the delicate balance between consumer protection and investor interests.
In outlining the various functions of the PUC, President Ali stressed that the Commission is also required to ensure that every public utility maintains its property and equipment in such condition that enables service that is adequate, efficient, non-discriminatory, affordable, and safe.

Expansion
On this point, he further underscored the need for expansion as it relates to the upskilling of personnel within the agency.
“Some expansion is needed. Critical skills will be needed to help the PUC in this very competitive expanded environment that we must operate in as Guyana undergoes a significant economic transformation; the role of the public utilities in enhancing services to both citizens and businesses becomes increasingly crucial. However, this enhanced role also endows utility with greater market power and influence, which must be carefully managed to avoid potential misuse…So, you can see our role in the Public Utilities Commission directly impacts our competitiveness as a country; directly impacts our ability to maintain a stable business environment,” the Head of State explained.

Aside from strengthening the regulatory framework of the PUC to enhance Guyana’s economic competitiveness, President Ali also emphasised the need for regular outreaches and engagements to far-flung communities in the hinterland and across the coastland. In this regard, the PUC Chairman has been tasked with ensuring that the commission enhances its presence in the various regions, and exercises the oath of office in the interest of good governance while doing so.
“We believe as a Government that we need to do more to ensure that all our citizens are acquainted with the different commissions, and are acquainted with their rights so that they can equally benefit from, and take part in, and be a part of, these commissions and bodies that protect their rights,” he added.
The PUC, guided by the Public Utilities Commission Act No 26 of 1990, came into effect on October 1, 1990. The Act was amended in 1991, 1994 and 1999. The PUC is tasked with regulating utilities and service providers, including GTT, Guyana Power and Light (GPL), Guyana Water Inc (GWI), and Digicel. In the past, it had to level fines against certain utility providers. (G1)