Govt demanding improved power service by GPL
Stabroek News
October 24, 2002
Government is demanding that management and staff of the power company quickly address what it said is the "seemingly rapidly deteriorating electricity supply situation."
In a letter yesterday to Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL), Chief Executive Officer (CEO), John Lynn, Prime Minister Sam Hinds, called on the company to take action to quickly halt and reverse the decline in its performance.
According to Hinds, the measure would "vindicate the rights and privileges the nation granted to the utility and restore the satisfaction of its suffering customers." Attempts to solicit a comment from GPL yesterday proved futile.
The PM's letter stemmed from Monday evening's widespread outage in the city which he said occurred at a time when the township of Bartica was suffering a total shutdown and an ongoing power problem is affecting the East Berbice area.
However, a source close to the power company told this newspaper that the PM is aware of the company's generation problems. Demand, it was revealed is close to capacity as new customers continue to be added to the grid. Plans are afoot to add 30 megawatts to the system.
GPL had recently issued releases citing faults with various mechanical components. GPL had said efforts were being made to address the problems particularly as the Christmas season is approaching and the demand for power is expected to rise.