Georgetown : Consumers can expect to benefit from a more efficient service being provided by the Guyana Power and Light Incorporated (GPL) as the management board was today commissioned to provide governance.
Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson while delivering a charge to the board members gathered at his Wight’s Lane, Kingston office said, during their two -year appointment they will have a tremendous responsibility which is in keeping with the administration’s policy.
“The first initiative to be addressed is the provision of better services to the consumers…secondly you’re tasked with ensuring there is a transition from our current 100% reliance on petroleum- based generation to allow access to alternative energies within the system,” Minister Patterson explained.
The service provided to consumers is not only limited to less power outages, but also a better customer service experience when interfacing with GPL’s staff.
The administration upon assuming office has been continually canvassed the transition to a greener economy, and in that regard, expressions of interest are open to the public for the provision of renewable energy for Bartica. Additionally plans are in train to resuscitate the Moco Moco hydro station even as negotiations are ongoing with an independent power provider to supply at least 26 megawatts of energy from a wind farm.
This transformative path that has been outlaid by the administration will see GPL’s board being charged with addressing the issue of commercial and technical losses. The end of 2015 saw the power company recording about 28% of such losses which will be addressed this year.
“The perception has always been that residential commercial loss is a higher part, but unfortunately the commercial section of the loss plays a significant role…we have to address that in regards to the technical losses.”
The Inter-American Development Bank- European Union project has unfortunately slipped, however, “we are trying to ensure we can get it back on track,” Minister Patterson explained.
The newly appointed board will also address several administrative issues which range from the appointment of a Chief Executive Officer, a Deputy Chief Executive Officer along with other executive appointments.
Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Annette Ferguson urged members of the board to find better solutions towards solving GPL customers’ problems.
The members of the board are Robert Badal- Chairman; Denise Simmonds; Leslie Ramalho; Abiola Wong-Iniss; Morsha Johnson-Francis; Tara Singh; Dr. Mahendra Sharma; a representative each from the Guyana Public Service Union and the Private Sector and the parliamentary opposition who is yet to be named by the leader of the Opposition.
