Dear Editor,
After taking up residence in Alberttown in October 2005, I immediately applied for a transfer of tenancy with the Guyana Power & Light because there was no light in the building as it had recently been repaired and rewired.
I was told to check back after two months by a representative who explained that before any other contract could have been entered into, I must first clear my old account. This process being completed, I submitted my necessary documents to GPL and was told to await the visit by their electrical inspector who would check the building and the electrical appliances in the home. This process was completed after several follow-ups to GPL.
I was then told that there were three previous tenants who had occupied the home before me, all of whom had balances for GPL. The landlord was asked to visit the office and after informing me that he did not know the whereabouts of the tenants and also refusing to pay the arrears, I was told by the representative that “somebody has to pay GPL.” From then on I was kept busy running to GPL with no success. On all occasions I was told the same thing, or I was told to go and find the tenants, while another representative also told me that my previous deposit was not refundable.
Things had got so frustrating that I stopped using GPL and had just let things remain as they were because I was losing both man hours and money each time I visited GPL.
However, during the month of June 2007, I was encouraged to revisit the GPL office after calling in to a radio programme, and I was told that I am entitled to service once my necessary documents are valid, and also that I was entitled to a refund of the previous down payment.
Upon visiting the office I discovered that my matter had been ready over one year ago and I only had to pay the $8,200 to have the service made effective. I was also given a refund slip to collect my cheque a few weeks later. After three days the GPL crew came, wiring back the house and attached the same old meter that was on the building. During the month of October 2007, I received my first bill reading 42257; previous reading 42257; fixed charge $678; units used 0.
In November 2007, I received a second billing reading 42257; previous reading 42257; fixed charge $339; units used 0, with a debit/credit adjustment of $79,056.72.
I immediately visited GPL and was told by a representative that there were readings found in the meter that went back from 2005, 2006 and 2007, and therefore I was required to pay same. I asked to speak with the supervisor but I was told that the person was busy and would tell me the same thing if I were to speak with them. I was advised to pay the bill or face disconnection.
I then took this matter up with the PUC which sent me with a letter to GPL, but no sooner was the letter sent than GPL came and disconnected my service without proper investigation, although I had made a payment of $8000 upon the advice of the PUC. To date I am without a service, but I am still receiving bills from GPL. As recently as April I received a bill with a present reading of 43267 and the previous reading of 42257; units used – 1010. The total energy charge was $54,318 and the total charge for the month $54,688. The total balance was $127,480. All this with no lights coming to the house and upon checking the meter it still stands at 42257. I therefore do not understand how the meter was read and by whom. My meter certainly was not read by a reader. I write highlighting these things so that people may be aware of what is taking place at GPL. I am certain there are many more like me who are suffering at the hands of GPL.
I would appreciate it if this matter can be given attention because I am suffering great embarrassment having to use kerosene and rechargeable lamps because I cannot afford the clearing of such an enormous account for electricity that I did not use.
Yours faithfully,
(Name and address provided)
Editor’s note
We are sending a copy of this letter to GPL for any comments they may wish to make.
