GPL's customer service is a disgrace

GPL’s customer service is a disgrace

Mar 04, 2018 Letters

Dear Editor

I am hereby calling on the government to immediately investigate the activities of the Guyana Power and Light, Inc. (GPL) and its staff who are allegedly removing meters, claiming the meters are outdated or illegal. Such removals are leaving innocent homeowners in the dark for extended periods and also costing the aggrieved homeowners huge sums of money to have meters re-installed after a lengthy waiting period (weeks/months).

Most disturbing is the fact that many of the homeowners affected are senior citizens on fixed-incomes and/or have severe disabilities. One such act of nonsense belongs to Ex-Army Officer Retired, Mr. Henry Mitchell 90 years old. His daughter Lurline stated, “To date, one month ago, his electric meter was taken away from his home. The company claimed it was an illegal meter. My father was mortified when he was informed. Somehow, he kept receiving notifications with no dollar amount. After several of these notifications, he decided to make inquiries, that’s when to his amazement, they told him he had an illegal meter. He was also told he needed to pay an equivalent to $1000 (US) to have the meter replaced. Well, after a few days of Mr. Mitchell “running around” and his daughter in touch with these so-called officials who promised to have the matter resolved ASAP, nothing has been done as of today. The fee was paid weeks ago and he’s still without electricity. This is appalling. He was promised the replacement last week.”

Expectedly, nothing has been done. GPL’s excuse, “it’s a short week because of Mash”. This slackness and laid-back mentality among GPL’s customer service representatives still exists and is a disgrace. Mr. Mitchell initiated another call to GPL two days ago and was given the same lame excuse, “it’s Phagwah and a short week.” He has owned the house since the early 70’s and has lived there since remigrating almost 20 years ago. Yes, there were upgrades to the home a few times but every installation was legal. He remarked that “it is very annoying and inconvenient.” This elderly citizen, who has served his country (old soldier) has been treated like a criminal. This horrendous act of fleecing homeowners must stop, and such malfeasance must immediately be corrected to the satisfaction of the affected owners. As an advocate for fairness, I will use my voice and my large forums to keep this malfeasance in the news and will continue to stay on this topic until the situation is remedied. Citizens in compliance should not have to endure such unnecessary obstruction in the daily lives.

Lloyd Phillips

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