The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) has moved to increase its capacity and efficacy to verify electricity meters submitted by the Guyana Power & Light (GPL). And according to a release from the bureau, this has been made possible with the acquisition of a modern electricity test bench capable of verifying five meters simultaneously.
The release informed that the equipment was recently acquired from ZERA India – a subsidiary of Zähler-Eich-und-Reparatur-Anstalt (Meter Calibration and Repair Institute) based in Koenigswinter, Germany. The subsidiary yesterday facilitated a practical training session with inspectors of the GNBS along with representatives from GPL on the proper use of the equipment.
Further, this practical training was preceded by a four-day theoretical session hosted from July 5 to 8, by CENAMEP AIP – the National Metrology Center of Panama. The session titled ‘Introduction to the metrological verification of electricity meters’, was virtually facilitated by the agency’s representative, Julio Gonzalez.
Topics covered included the importance of energy measurement, electric energy meters, and metrological verification service for meters.
Senior Inspector in the GNBS’ Legal Metrology Department, Keemo Fyffe, explained that the training was aimed at developing the competence of the inspectors to accurately verify electricity meters using the new equipment. GNBS, he added, was thankful for the donation of the equipment and training provided which will undoubtedly boost the delivery of its legal metrology measurement services.
GNBS explained that in accordance with the Weights and Measures Act of 1981, it is responsible for the verification of all weighing and measuring instruments used in trade, as well as devices used within the health, transportation, manufacturing, agriculture, and other sectors in Guyana, “to ensure equity in trade, consumer protection, and safety.”
Electricity meters, which are installed on residential and commercial buildings to determine electricity use, must be submitted to the bureau upon importation, to be verified. GNBS has so far this year verified 11,768 meters, the release added.
