Dear Editor,
‘GPL blames lack of access to meters for increase in volume of estimated bills’ (SN, November 14). I submit that this claim of “lack of access” is either gross exaggeration or corporate gimmickry. Since I do not know enough, I refrain from saying that it could be an outright falsehood. Now I ask the public to relate to my circumstances and arrive at its own conclusion.
I have neither seen nor heard a GPL meter reader in close to a year. So “recent” is also thrown under the bus. There is always at least one adult around in the house. Other entities have visited and gained access to conduct their business. I have spoken to the PRO of the GPL; I have written the PRO; I have used the online email address to communicate the situation to the GPL; and I have written at least twice in this very newspaper about this really appalling situation.
The response received has been instructive: nothing! Absolute silence!
I interpret this as lack of care, lack of pride, lack of professionalism, and lack of answers. This is the utter contempt in which the Guyanese public is held by the disinterested at the GPL. It is why I have great difficulty swallowing this creativity about “lack of access.”
Now I share (again) another aspect of this estimated bill fiasco. The current difference between my estimated bills and actual consumption is over 1,000 kilowatt units. That is a hefty piece of change, when calculated, to drop on anyone’s head without notice. If customers in my circumstances do not pay (I have), then the GPL is quick to arrive (somehow gain access) and demand the “arrears” outstanding. Or it is lights out. Literally! This places those without the financial wherewithal in a deep hole. Many times they do not have the approximately 50% down payment required as part of the terms and negotiation leading to an instalment payment plan. It is burdensome and disturbing. This cannot be allowed to continue.
It is why I hope that the responsible minister reads this writing and does something. I plan on sending it to him anyway. The GPL must do better, starting with being responsive and being flexible to those needing assistance.
For all of the foregoing reasons, I find this claim of “lack of access” to be so much hogwash.
Yours faithfully,
GHK Lall
