Dear Editor,
The KN report ‘GPL contemplates tariff hike –Chairman Winston Brassington’ (29.5.08) is definitely not good news for Guyanese.
Should this tariff hike come into effect, it will only exacerbate the economic woes of ordinary Guyanese. While I can appreciate the fact that Guyana Power and Light (GPL) might be experiencing high operating costs, I do believe that the company should continue to explore other alternatives in order to maintain a reasonable level of operational efficiency, while it strives to reduce its overall cost of operation. To pass the burden on to consumers who are already in dire economic straits, may only lead to regrettable outcomes which will not benefit either side.
I do believe that Guyanese will be prepared to intensify their efforts to conserve on energy, and therefore GPL, the government, the Consumers Association and other stakeholders should embark on programmes to encourage our citizens to continue to work on taking steps to save energy.
We should be reminded that simple actions like turning off a bulb when we can use daylight is recommended, keeping the fridge door securely closed is good practice and reducing the frequency with which the door is opened may save some energy, etc. I believe that we are a responsible people who will continue to demonstrate great strength and restraint in these overly challenging times, but we do need help at times.
I therefore request that the authorities at GPL acknowledge and respect our strength and tolerance by understanding that we have passed our threshold in terms of carrying the economic burden and cannot be saddled with an increase in our electricity costs. Before the international fuel dilemma, Guyanese were already dealing with exorbitant light bills, despite the fact that our economic situation remained lopsided, with wages relatively stagnant while the cost of living increased at an alarming rate.
I hope that the Government of Guyana will engage the Guyana Power and Light to arrive at an amicable solution to the company’s current dilemma.
Whatever the resolution, both government and GPL must take into account the immediate plight of the people and all efforts must be taken to avoid passing the burden on to the consumers who have reached the brink of economic frustration.
Some may ask about the excess tax dollars collected from VAT which the people have already paid; maybe it’s time that some of this money went back to the people through GPL. Something to seriously consider – or ask the economists.
Yours faithfully,
Lurlene Nestor
