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PUC warns GPL of penalties over missed targets
(Kaieteur News) – Chairman of the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) Dr. Nanda Gopaul has signalled that Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) will face penalties if it fails to meet its performance targets by the end of 2026 – an assurance likely to resonate with consumers who have endured years of unreliable electricity.
Speaking with Kaieteur News yesterday, Gopaul acknowledged public dissatisfaction and made it clear that the Commission’s patience is not unlimited. “We will have no choice but to impose penalty if GPL does not meet its targets by the end of 2026,” he stated.
PUC Chairman, Dr. Nanda Gopaul
The warning comes even as the PUC defends its decision not to impose fines so far, a stance that has drawn criticism from some consumers who feel the regulator has been too lenient despite persistent service issues. Gopaul is arguing, though, that small fines would have done little to ease the daily hardships faced by citizens. “We could have imposed a $1M or $2M fine, or we could focus on getting things right. I don’t see that making any difference at all,” he said, maintaining that the Commission’s focus has been on pushing for real improvements rather than punishment.
Still, many consumers remain frustrated, particularly given that GPL achieved only 2.5 of its eight performance targets for 2025. The PUC itself in a statement expressed dissatisfaction with the company’s overall performance, especially in critical areas such as reliability and financial management.
Despite this, Gopaul shared that the Commission has been actively holding GPL accountable by publicly highlighting its shortcomings and pressing for corrective action. He rejected the view that management is to blame for the ongoing issues. “A lot of people seem to believe that management is a problem. It is not,” he said, adding that GPL’s team is experienced and capable.
Gopaul pointed to some progress in 2025, noting a reduction in prolonged blackouts compared to the previous year. However, he acknowledged that outages still occur, often linked to infrastructure works or unexpected incidents, disruptions that continue to affect households and businesses. He said the Commission is relying on GPL’s plans for 2026, which include upgrading infrastructure, improving efficiency, and introducing new technologies. These measures, Gopaul said, are expected to deliver the level of service customers have long demanded.
At the same time, he highlighted electricity theft as a major factor undermining the system, particularly in squatter settlements. New metering systems are expected to play a role in reducing these losses. While the Commission has, for now, opted for a reform-based approach, citing challenges such as labour shortages and ongoing projects, it is also anticipating that 2026 will bring improvement.
Meanwhile, in addition to its assessment of GPL’s performance, the PUC, in Order No. 1/2026 posted on its website, outlined other developments within the electricity sector that were not tied directly to the company’s missed targets. According to the Order, the sector continued to expand, with GPL recording a four percent increase in its customer base. Electricity demand also rose, with net sales increasing by six percent.
The Order further said that planned and ongoing initiatives include the construction of hundreds of kilometres of transmission and distribution lines, the development of new substations, and upgrades to existing systems. Among the major works are transmission lines crossing the Demerara River and continued rollout of advanced metering infrastructure aimed at improving efficiency and monitoring.
Beyond GPL’s immediate operations, the PUC pointed to progress in Guyana’s transition to renewable energy. Several solar projects were commissioned across multiple regions, adding approximately 15.6 megawatts of capacity to the national grid. A 4 MW solar farm at Trafalgar in Region Five came into operation in December 2025, alongside additional installations in Regions Two and Six and on Leguan Island. These projects are expected to improve grid stability, reduce reliance on diesel, and support efforts to cut carbon emissions, the order said.
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