Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) is allowing its customers to submit their own meter readings via the Whatapp messaging service.
GPL, in a press release issued yesterday, said the “Whatsapp Meter Read” service is to better meet customer demands and improve quality service delivery to its customer base.
However, it noted that the service is a complementary meter reading service and will not replace existing methods of retrieval. It further advised customers who use the service that GPL must be granted access to the meter within a three-month period to verify the accuracy of the readings submitted.
According to GPL, the service allows customers to submit their own meter reading with accompanying customer number during a 30-day reading cycle via Whatsapp, using telephone number 608-8575. It explained that GPL post-paid customers are asked to note their meter reading dates, which is printed on their monthly bills and is positioned to the right corner of the total payable breakdown, and a clear photograph showing the dials on the meter along with the account number should be submitted only during the meter reading period identified on the bill.
GPL said the service is best suited to customers whose consumption is frequently estimated due to inaccessibility during the meter reading cycle; customers who received a GPL notice indicating that a meter reader visited the premises but was unable to retrieve an accurate reading; and customers who will be out of the jurisdiction for prolonged periods exceeding two months.
