While there continues to be widespread criticisms over the quality of services provided by the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Inc., its newly-appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Albert Gordon, has promised to change that view by making the power company more efficient and world-class.
Gordon told the media on Wednesday that several bold initiatives will be rolled out soon to ensure that the image of GPL is changed. The CEO said the aim is to make customers satisfied with the quality and service the GPL provides, and ultimately bring some level of improvement to the entire operation of the power
Guyana Power and Light Inc. CEO, Albert Gordon
company.
He explained that several consultants have been evaluating the company’s performance, and at present, the company has not been able to move beyond the 20 percent mark. While admitting that there is a lot of work to be done, he said the plan is to take GPL to about 40 percent and hopefully beyond 50 percent, which would put it neatly in that world class space with other companies across the world.
In laying out his vision for GPL, the CEO said GPL would support the sustainable development of Guyana, addressing social, economic and environmental issues in a sustainable manner. Not only does GPL plan to deliver reliable and affordable energy services, but the company will seek to comply with applicable standards and environmental obligations, and develop and operate in a manner that is sustainable.
“GPL will be a world class utility service provider, as seen by our success in exceeding the expectations of customers. And (from) what I’ve been seeing in the media, I know the expectations are not so high…there is increased expectations going forward, and we intend to exceed those expectations,” Gordon reaffirmed.
Another key area that the new CEO plans to look at is improving the company’s strategic planning. At present, he said, GPL does not have a discreet unit that drives the strategic planning for the utility. However, he said that is essential in order for the company to achieve both long- and short-term goals.
He said, “We’ll excel in the management of projects, the management of risks, and in the management of the quality of our operations and our processes. We will continually see improvements in our processes, which will drive performance and will continue to develop skills and capabilities.”
Financial sustainability
Another major goal of the new CEO is to make GPL more stable, and to drive financial sustainability over the coming years. In order to do this, Gordon said, the power company will assist with the drive to support the use of renewable energy as part of the entire supply of energy to consumers.
Government has made known its policy to have 100 per cent demand of local energy to be met by renewables, and the CEO has said he fully supports this initiative. “It is brilliant and necessary. It is a good idea, because we could produce power from renewables and export it,” he explained.
According to him, GPL has over 7000 megawatts of hydroelectric potential to export that power. GPL can therefore generate more than the demand. While explaining that Guyana is blessed with resources, he said GPL will support all forms of renewables, whether it be wind, biomass or any other form.
“We are fully supportive of development of renewables,” he stated, while explaining that plans are being made to meet with the Public Utilities Commission to discuss his plans to tap into renewables.
A similar project that was adopted in Jamaica is being touted, and could be used to push that process.
On Wednesday also, Gordon revealed that GPL has already approached Government, seeking assistance in the tune of US$110 million to help to resolve some of the immediate issues facing the company. He said that money will be used to upgrade and reconfigure the supply system to produce better electricity.
While explaining that there are a multiplicity of issues facing GPL, which are ultimately responsible for the constant power outages, the new CEO said fixing these issues depends on the investment to make the necessary changes that are required to bring some normalcy to the system.
