Mahdia Power and Light (MPL) Chairman David Adams has asked residents to exercise some more patience until another transformer is purchased to ease the problem of low voltage, even as he indicated that the company continues to be hampered by electricity theft and the high cost of fuel.
The chairman made this appeal during an outreach led by Prime Minister Samuel Hinds at the Community Centre on Friday. According to a Government Information Agency (GINA) press release a large engine is being used at the substation which consumes a lot of fuel. “This 15 gallons of fuel per hour is equivalent to seven drums of fuel per day…it is costing the power company a lot, and so it is important for residents to desist from stealing electricity and to pay their bills on time,” Adams said.
Over the last year, the MPL has been challenged by a number of issues including the high cost of fuel and oil, tardy delivery of fuel, difficulty in sourcing skilled operators, electricity theft and non-payment of bills.
MPL Manager Collette Adams in an interview with GINA had said that the power company has taken a number of steps to deal with electricity theft; however, persons continue to steal electricity. There is need for more linesmen to conduct disconnection exercises, she said, adding that “This situation has been ongoing although we have been disconnecting residents when they are caught….” Also, more than five warning letters had been issued to delinquent households that have been caught stealing electricity.
A campaign has also been started with the aim of reducing electricity theft, non-payment by municipalities, households and neighbourhood democratic councils as these have been causing the power company severe losses. Also, efforts are moving apace to supply Campbelltown and Seven Miles Scheme with electricity. “As residents continue to respond to the service, MPL is looking to have an additional 600 service meters distributed, adding to the 468 which were distributed over the last seven months,” Adams said.
In his address, the prime minister said, “We (government) are fully aware of some of the constraints you are enduring. However, we are working to have the situation remedied, so that livelihoods in the region can be improved.”
Hinds said Guyana is rapidly expanding and the electricity sector remains a central part of development plans. As such government has invested heavily in the sector, purchasing generations and initiating the Hinterland Electrification Programme (HEP). He also noted that much has been done in the region over the last five years, “despite residents allowing themselves to be influenced by certain forces.”
One resident complained that the frequent low voltage has caused appliances in his home to malfunction, yet he receives high electricity bills. The prime minister said another transformer and generator will be purchased to remedy the situation.
