The Guyana Power and Light (GPL) is concerned that persons are illegally connecting lamps directly to its network for private security lighting.

In a press release the company said this is a new form of electricity theft and it is calling on perpetrators to desist. It said a recent investigation revealed that “there are hundreds of 175W mercury vapour lamps being powered directly off our network,” and that this practice is particularly prevalent in Demerara. The energy cost for operating one of those lamps is about $3,400 per month, GPL said, adding that a simple multiplication of that cost by the hundreds of the illegal lamps found to be in use will reveal a very steep loss. It said too the company cannot allow persons to utilize power in this form and not pay for it.

Further, GPL said persons found engaging in this practice, “whether by themselves or soliciting others to do it will face the full force of the law.” It said too within one week its personnel will begin the process of removing all the illegal lamps. Persons who obstruct these workers will face legal action, the company added.

Additionally, GPL said it is interested in supplying power to persons interested in having their lights powered off a metered supply and is prepared to allow the poles to be used for this purpose “as a compromise.” The company warned that stealing electricity is an offence and is punishable by a fine of $50,000 and one year imprisonment.