Penny wise, pound foolish

Aug 20, 2009 Letters

Dear Editor,
I write to contend the many waste talks that Mr. Bharrat Dindial, the CEO of GPL was reported as saying at the recent PUC hearings in Georgetown.
I wonder when will the PUC organise and keep hearings in other areas so as to get the wider view from consumers and prospective consumers.
After publishing in the newspapers so many names of persons caught and brought before the courts for allegedly stealing electricity, I ask, has there been a survey and the gathering of data to indicate the number of those persons’ homes that were raided; how many had ‘wired’ their homes in anticipation that they would someday be given this now most basic commodity?
In the New Amsterdam area I am sure that if such data was garnered it would show that many of the persons dragged to court indeed had done so.
And it is my firm belief that the with Government’s prudent policies, many homes today can have access to electrical appliances to make their lives more comfortable. And when in today’s world there are working moms and dads, and kids are left alone what is it that keeps them indoors and away from influencing peers who gather at street corners? It is the use of television, game sets, computers, music systems etc.
As is my conviction, if you don’t have, it doesn’t give you the right to go steal it. That some homes are wired, indicate that an attempt is made to secure the service the right way.

Is the GPL so adamant to drag people before the courts and not try to find out the real reason why electricity is being stolen? And I mean, stolen in the sense that persons who do not have a legal supply, but “hook wires to service lines, to their premises”, not the man that has a meter and yet steals.
I personally feel if Mr. Dindial comes off his high seat and start talking to the people – let GPL meet the people half way and the people will meet them, much can be understood as to why this constant practice of electricity theft.
Many reasons can be unearthed as to the whole scenario, as to why is it that people steal electricity.
Is it that it becomes a commodity much sought after as peoples lives are improved?
Is it because after frustratingly seeking a legal connection and not getting it, a man may turn to stealing?
Is it because of the prejudice and unfair practices at GPL Commercial Offices where my neighbour can get but I cannot?

Isn’t it about time these high-handed officials meet the people on the ground – the ones that are affected? And take examples from the political leaders who reach out and make things happen?
Mr. Dindial, show some concern for the people! What does GPL gain when they pay contractors to remove illegal connections? Prosecute alleged victims in the courts? Who gets the fines? Is this the way to go when you can see that (at least I read in the print media) one person name pops up more than once? Which means although prosecuted before the individual went back and committed the said offence?
If you give the people the current, at the end of the month, you get the fixed charge plus usage charges! Revenue nonetheless! Isn’t that better than paying people to raid, remove and prosecute people?
Isn’t this penny wise, pound foolish?
Think about it Mr. Dindial. Work with the people to have them hooked unto the grid.
Yes there are those who will want to continue their unlawful act, but that’s another story. Check the new application files at the many offices and see how thick they are! Or how many files there are!
Consumer

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