Dear Editor,
In response to a letter to the editor published in the Stabroek News, dated Wednesday, August 28, 2019 and titled, ‘Why are certain communities being targeted for smart meters’, the Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL Inc.) offers the following response.
Context of ongoing project
In an effort to provide context to readers who are unaware of the current project being executed within regions 3, 4, 5 and 6, permit the Company firstly, to provide context in this regard.
GPL Inc’s Power Utility Upgrade Pro-gramme (PUUP) is an infrastructure investment programme funded by the Inter-American Development Bank and European Union (IADB and EU) aimed at rehabilitating 85 Priority Areas in Lot ‘A’, 52 Priority Areas in Lot ‘B’ and 31 Priority Areas in Lot ‘C’. Priority areas are the areas identified that required the more immediate intervention in order to deliver an improved level of service. It encompasses upgrading 830 kilometres of the medium and low voltage distribution Network and the replacement of approximately 54,000 meters in Regions 3, 4, 5 and 6. It is critical to note that Lot ‘A’ has been successfully completed. The works for Lot ‘B’ are scheduled to commence in October 2019 and Lot ‘C’ is scheduled for the second quarter of 2020. This investment is aimed at improving reliability of service, whilst reducing technical and commercial losses in the earmarked communities.
Consequently, it is important to note that all areas identified for the upgrade were objectively selected utilizing the proven Selection Methodology for Loss Reduction Areas (SMLRA). SMLRA was developed for GPL by reputable international consultants to select areas for rehabilitation based on the cost effectiveness of the works identified to deliver the expected improvements.
Clarity on concerns raised
Firstly, it is significant to note that GPL is the executing agency for the PUUP, which is funded by the IADB and the EU as mentioned earlier. Consequently, the meeting that was scheduled for Wednesday, August 28, 2019 at 17:30hrs was organized by GPL. Essentially, that meeting was intended to inform and educate the residents of Enmore of the upcoming network rehabilitation and meter upgrade works slated to commence in the area; in keeping with our contractual responsibility with our customers and our ongoing efforts with our customer centric approaches.
The installation of Advanced Meter Infrastructure (AMI) capable meters commonly referred to as ‘Smart Meters’ will be installed across regions 3, 4, 5 and 6 in a total of 168 areas under the Lots ‘A, B and C’ of this network and meter upgrade programme.
While the existing areas are already serviced by meters, the objectives of PUUP is to change out and upgrade the existing aged meters with modern AMI compatible meters, which guarantee greater accuracy and allows for convenient and remote reading of the meter, which will significantly reduce bills calculated on estimated consumption. Further, it is pertinent to note that these meters are compliant with international standards and are further tested and approved by the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS).
Next steps
On Tuesday, September 3, 2019 at Jailal Mechanic Shop, Old Road, Enmore commencing at 17:30hrs a joint team comprising of senior GPL/PUUP representatives will be hosting a community outreach meeting to educate and inform the residents of the project. This will allow residents the opportunity to clarify any inquiries they may have about the upgrade programme. This is the approach that was taken for the recently concluded Lot ‘A’ and will continue for Lots ‘B’ and ‘C’.
Benefits of the project to customers and GPL
Improved Reliability of Service – there will be reduced local outages as the network will be upgraded and ‘smart meters’ will be installed.
Improved Voltage Quality – Customers will experience improved voltage levels as a result of the network upgrade.
GPL Inc. remains committed to working with the residents of Enmore to resolve all existing concerns.
Yours faithfully,
Shevion Alexis Sears
for Management GPL Inc.
