As a result, the utilities watchdog said the power company should pay compensation to each consumer for the loss suffered.

“The loss suffered by the consumer is as a result of the utility not providing a reasonable and efficient service to them. And in the circumstances, we consider it reasonable and just that GPL will be required to pay compensation to each consumer for the loss suffered.

“We wish it to be clearly understood that the compensation for loss calculated at $4.70 per kwh is not intended to reduce the basic rate which customers must pay for electricity consumed in terms of the tariff structure in accordance with provisions of the second schedule of ESRA,” the PUC said.

The Utilities Commission said that the GPL. By its own admission, has not been providing “an adequate and or reasonable and or efficient service as a consequence of which customers suffer losses.”

Based on its findings, the PUC made the following orders:

GPL shall within the next six months ensure the reduction of the combined technical and commercial losses to 24 per cent.

They shall submit to the Commission at the end of three-month period from date hereof the commercial and technical losses.

GPL is ordered to pay compensation to all consumers the sum of $1, 368, 284, 000 for loss suffered because of the utility not providing an efficient service.

It is further ordered that GPL will be at liberty to pay such compensation to each consumer at $4.70 per kwh for the number of kwh which each customer consumes with effect from the billing period October 1, 2002, until the amount of 41, 368, 284,000 is full discharged.

It is further ordered that GPL be at liberty to credit each customer’s account each month with the entitlement, and such to be reflected in the bill issued to the customer.