GPL losses: Businesses steal over half $$$billion in two years

Sep 22, 2009 News

– talk show host, fisheries, rice mills among culprits

Fisheries, hotels, Chinese restaurants, and a prominent religious talk show host were among those who have been caught by the Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) stealing electricity.

And between them and few others, they steal more than half of a billion dollars worth in power over a two-year period, according to the power company.

GPL officials are now estimating that over 11 per cent of the power it generates goes to theft of electricity. The bad news is that the figures are believed to be higher.

Speaking with Kaieteur News yesterday, GPL officials, while unwilling to name specific companies fearing such action could hamper ongoing negotiations for settlements, disclosed that at least three fisheries complexes, some on the East Bank, were slapped with a total of $80 million fine.

In most cases, GPL discovered the thefts when the company noticed a sudden drop in electricity consumption by some companies and individuals.

Crews from the GPL’s Loss Prevention Unit, on investigation, have discovered that in most cases the guilty companies would illegally take feed from transmission lines, thus, bypassing meters.

A number of rice mills and fast food joints all owe more than $50 million.

In some cases, GPL officials say, they would seize the meters and cut the feed. However, there have been several cases where the businesses would immediately illegally connect as soon as the crew is gone.

In one recent case a religious talk show host was caught stealing electricity. His meter was seized. He filed a court injunction and got it back. He was caught again stealing electricity.

In cases where businesses are caught stealing, GPL would refer to the last high bill paid, assess the equipment/appliances being used and arrive at a figure.

Although anyone caught stealing electricity could be charged, jailed for one year and fined, GPL is reluctant to walk this road, preferring to settle, an official said.

With some businesses refusing to settle, the power company is facing some harsh choices especially since it is running low on cash and consumers complaining that rates are too high.

Yesterday, according to GPL Managing Director, Bharat Dindyal, the company is seeking advice on the true level of electricity theft as it is believed that figures may be higher than the 11 per cent.

With the company not producing power enough resulting in generation shortfall and the hope that the 20-megawatt Wartsila engines are hooked up by the end of the year, GPL is now hard pressed to ensure that the electricity theft from companies is reduced drastically and fast too, at that.

Last week, a major Main Street night spot saw its illegal connection removed for the second time in months and a second charge likely against the owner. The nightspot/restaurant owes more than $5 million.

According to GPL officials yesterday, they will be stepping up the campaign to reduce theft through field work and intelligence work. (Leonard Gildarie)

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GPL losses: Businesses steal over half $$$billion in two years

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