Over the last 12 years, the Guyana Power and Light Incorporated (GPL) has
GPL Senior Field Service Manager Looknauth Singh
removed in excess of 80,000 illegal connections across Guyana. For this reason, the power company will apply new tactics to address and eradicate this scourge.
Senior Field Service Manager at the utility company, Looknauth Singh, said his department frequently visits communities with illegal connections and is engaging the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) and the Government to become involved in the process.
Illegal connections which began in 2005 have since destroyed several homes and
GPL Public Relations Officer Shevion Sears
cost many lives. Singh, according to the Department of Public Information, explained that GPL has observed that about 36 communities across Guyana have illegal connections. He added that from 2006 to present, over 3000 persons were arrested for illegal connections after several raids in various communities.
However, during those raids, the teams encountered hostilities. GPL will seek to have those persons arrested. “We began looking at the area of arresting persons with much more emphasis, since that is the only way we can make an impact in sensitising the people that GPL is ready to tackle this illegal connection in a different manner,” Singh explained.
The Senior Field Service Manager further explained that GPL is also disseminating more information on illegal connections or electricity theft through its public relations department.
The power company will launch its Customers in Focus project on August 8, targeting electricity theft. Public Relations Officer, Shevion Sears advises customers to ensure they are legally connected, especially in relatively new communities.
“We are admonishing our customers to adhere to the rules for those of you not connected legally, there is a process where we would educate on how you can get that done and for those who have legal electricity but are determined to pay less in the form of stealing, we’ll have to convince you of a behaviour change.”
Fourteen areas in Regions Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), Four (Demerara-Mahaica), Five (Mahaica-Berbice) and Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) are set to benefit from this project.
