Dear Editor,
There are so many problems and issues to tackle at this time of our country’s history, that it is very easy to lose sight of other important issues, which are also of great significance, but do not attract sensational headlines.
It is with some concern that I write about the installation of pre-paid electric meters.
Pre-paid electric meters can be a positive, if implemented properly, as they give consumers an option in their energy management. How-ever, the issue should be presented to the Public Utilities Commission for approval along with guidelines for the operation of the meters firmly established. This will include but not limited to authorized calibrating centres (independent of GPL), which must be equipped to adequately test the accuracy of the meters if and when doubts arise.
Consultations should also be held with consumers’ organizations, which would allow consumers’ concerns about the system to be addressed. After the above a public information programme would be of immense help in assuaging the fears and concerns of the people who would be ‘forced’ to use them.
From newspaper articles it was not clear whether this initiative is an option for consumers or whether they have no choice. Was approval given by the PUC? Maybe this newspaper can inquire?
In the Philippines, for example, where this system exists the Energy Regulatory Commission has strict rules on how the system should work http://www.erc.gov.ph/p
Also, like the cellular phone system the customer must be given options of pre or post-paid in its energy management. The company needs to make clear (probably by publishing in the public domain) what, if any, the options are. I would, however, argue that consideration should be given to certain groups such as senior citizens, persons with fixed state assisted incomes to arrange the option best suited to their circumstances.
Energy is an important part of our lives and surely we should not deprive the most vulnerable among us because they are unable to pay upfront for a particular service.
The basic aim of Consumers International (CI) Global Energy Charter, which many energy companies subscribe to, is “the promotion of the universal access to sustainable energy services.” The charter also recognizes that consumers have an important role to play in energy sustainability by paying their bills on time. Maybe the energy company, the PUC, consumer organizations and consumers need to be guided by this charter as we attempt to provide universal cost effective access to energy in Guyana.
Yours faithfully,
Everall Franklin, MP
Guyana Action Party