Dear Editor,
Yet again, the Guyana Power & Light yesterday dispatched a disconnection crew to my 88-year-old mother’s home to cut the power although the company was owed nothing. And this was after two unannounced blackouts: one on the previous night and another for several hours during that same morning. It was only because I happened to be there in the middle of the day, and could present a receipt as proof of payment, that we were able to prevent an unwarranted disconnection.
This is unconscionable harassment of consumers. This is lawlessness.
It is especially hard on elderly consumers. It is especially hard on working people who are out trying to earn a living during the daytime. It is especially hard on people without access to the means of securing justice or redress.
It also speaks to gross mismanagement by those responsible for administering GPL’s financial affairs. And GPL’s management should not be surprised that its lawlessness begets lawlessness on the part of frustrated citizens.
After countless reports of illegal disconnections over countless years, it is inconceivable that GPL still does not have a system for verifying payments and reconciling accounts, before men are sent out to menace legitimate consumers with disconnection orders. So one can only assume that this slackness is permitted to continue because it benefits GPL.
If the Public Utilities Commission cannot put an end to the abusive behaviour of this utility, who can?
Yours faithfully,
Bonita Harris
