Latest update March 21st, 2025 7:03 AM
Latest News
Consumers can challenge GPL meter charges
…power company acquires necessary testing
equipment
The Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) has acquired two pieces of equipment capable of ascertaining whether energy meters are functioning accurately.
With numerous complaints from consumers that the meters would malfunction in cases, causing higher rates to be charged, GPL’s Managing Director Bharat Dindyal was convinced that these complaints would be put to rest now, as tests can be conducted.
The official explained that with meters factory-set to a standard before installation, the two SpinLab Bird Dog Analyzers would be able to, within 99.98 degree of accuracy, determine how accurate the meter is recording the energy consumed. The two pieces of equipment cost GPL in excess of US$20,000 ($4 million).
Consumers who doubt the GPL readings can request a test for a $2,000 fee. If it is determined that the readings were incorrect in favour of the consumer, then that consumer’s account has the possibility of having his account credited, the CEO assured.
The analyzers have the capability of being hooked up to a database and the information downloaded.
Questioned whether GPL will be using the equipment to conduct campaigns in any particular areas, Dindyal noted that the power company has other arrangements in place to guard against electricity theft.
The Bird Dog has the capability of testing any of GPL’s meters, including the single-phase, three-phase, electronic and electro-mechanical meters.
Meanwhile, according to GPL’s Loss Reduction Director, Samaro Ramtahal, the power company had been eyeing the equipment since in 2005, but could not afford it at that time.
According to a GPL technician who conducted a simulated test on a meter, the equipment sensors are hooked up to the meter and then a laser light picks up the spinning dials and analyzes the information. This analysis is what determines whether the meter is spinning too quickly or slowly.
Meanwhile, updating the media on GPL’s campaign to collect payments from some troubled areas, Dindyal disclosed that after the West Ruimveldt incident, in which consumers took to the streets to protest after their power was cut for non-payment, GPL decided that it would take another approach. This time, the company is writing the consumers informing them of the outstanding balance.
Regarding recent power outages, the CEO admitted that some equipment had malfunctioned, but he assured that workers are doing everything to ensure power is restored.
In one case, transmission lines leading to the Sophia area were hit three times by lightning during a storm.
Acknowledging that the changing weather patterns are proving a challenge, Dindyal said that options are being examined to minimize instances when consumers are left without power.
Similar Articles
THE BLUNT OF THE DAY
Sports
Features/Columnists
“One Guyana” is no less a national slogan than “Green Guyana”
Kaieteur News- The notion that “One Guyana” is a partisan slogan is pure poppycock. It is a desperate fiction... more
If Guyana’s President Ali is the “Zelensky of the Caribbean”, who is the Putin?
Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the US and the OAS, Ronald Sanders By Sir Ronald Sanders Kaieteur News- In the latest... more
Weekend Cartoon
