GPL warns of disconnection if meters aren’t read

Last Updated on Saturday, 26 December 2015, 20:59 by GxMedia

The Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) on Saturday warned customers, whose meters have not been read for two months because meter readers have been unable to gain access to premises, would face disconnection and removal of service.

The power company said customers were obliged by contract agreement and the Electricity Sector Reform Act. “The Law also empowers GPL to disconnect the service if it is unable to read the meter. GPL therefore wishes to inform customers that, “failure to have your meters read for two (2) consecutive months would result in the disconnection of service,” said GPL in a statement.

GPL urged all consumers countrywide to make the necessary arrangements to facilitate the monthly reading of their meters by authorised GPL Meter Readers.

GPL’s says its Meter Readers operate from Sunday to Sunday, between 06:00hrs and 17:00hrs. GPL also encourages customers to visit its website www.gplinc.com for information on the positioning/relocating of meters to facilitate readings.

In yet another monthly operational report, the Company noted a significant number of its total postpaid customers’ bills were estimated as a result of the inability of the Company’s meter readers to gain access to the meters for the purpose of obtaining readings. This was primarily due to locked gates and incorrectly positioned meters.

Analyses proved that the highest incidence of locked gates occurs in Regions 3 and 4, while villages on the West Bank Demerara result in the most estimated bills.

GPL advised that in cases where the customer is not at home or the meter is not visible to the Meter Reader, customers should make special provisions to have their meters read. For further information in this regard kindly contact GPL’s billing services on telephone number 226-2606.

Customers are urged to ensure a valid GPL’s Employee Identification Card (ID) is presented at all times by GPL Meter Readers. The front side of GPL’s employee’s ID should bear a visible photograph of the person, the name and designation and on the reverse side should indicate the Company’s Deputy Human Resources Manager’s signature and date of employment.