Previously, residents’ homes and businesses were powered for eight hours during week days and twelve hours on weekend. This was extensively subsidized by the government which provided 500 gallons of fuel per month.
In September, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds led a delegation of stakeholders to Ituni to discuss providing the community with 24-hour electricity supply to allow residents to embark on a number of income-generating initiatives. The community was provided with a daily power supply from October 1st.
For power to be supplied all day additional generators along with 900,000 more gallons of fuel were needed. All 180 buildings were metered by the Linden Electricity Company (LECI) prior to the commencement of the 24-hour power supply and each building was provided with three energy savers compliments of the Guyana Govern-ment.
James said that following a consumption analysis, it was noted that fuel consumption dropped from 285 to 110 kilowatt hours (kwh). There was also less than a 50% increase in fuel supply with the 24-hour electricity supply. “With the 24-hours system, an average bill per month amounted $2,850 per month against the eight hours on week days and twelve hours on weekend where they used to pay $1,500 domestic and $2,000 commercial [charges],” said James.
Of the 158 customers, 10 consumed below 15 kwh and as such do not have to pay any bill. Part of the agreement with the residents was that each customer would have been given 15 kwh free but would be required to pay $30 per kwh thereafter.
Additionally, 55 customers paid less than $1,500 than in the past and this was attributed to excellent conservation practice. James indicated that the first billing system carried out was well-executed but some residents had queries on outstanding amounts from 2006 to 2009 that were amicably resolved. “The next step for us would be to meter the street lights because we want to check on consumption in that area. We would also be instituting a system which would allow the street lights to be turned off during the daylight,” said James.
Stabroek News understands that on Thursday a meeting was held in Kwak-wani for residents and those at Ladern-ville. A similar proposal to that instituted in Ituni was discussed and according to reports residents did not object.
Implementation is likely to be instituted in early 2010. Both communities do not pay for electricity currently but enjoy twenty-four-hour electricity supply.
Prior to the institution of the billing system in Ladernville and Kwakwani, the power company would be tasked with the responsibility of metering all the existing buildings. An additional generator would also be purchased and installed in those areas. (Cathy Richards)
