Over the past year and beyond, residents of Guyana have been grappling with frequent power outages, colloquially known as blackouts. In my local area, whenever there’s a power outage, we also face the cessation of water flow through our taps and pipes. Thus, we’re confronted with two significant issues simultaneously. Now, in the year 2024, it’s disheartening to note that these challenges have been a part of our lives for over five decades. In an era marked by rapid development, burgeoning innovations, and technological advancements, one can’t help but wonder why Guyanese are still struggling with the same, if not worsening, infrastructural problems.
When unforeseen disruptions occur in telephone or internet services provided by GTT, the company offers rebates for the inconvenience caused by the loss of service. Similarly, I’ve received rebates from Digicel during times when their prepaid services were unavailable. This prompts a critical question: Why does the Guyana Power and Light Corporation (GPL) seem indifferent to the need for consumer explanations and compensations? The concerns of the consumers are manifold: Why are we not offered rebates? Why are our only updates on power outages through social media postings? Where are the GPL managers during these times of service disruption?
Interestingly, the billing amounts fluctuate monthly, often with the highest charges occurring in months plagued by the most frequent power outages. This inconsistency in billing, coupled with a stringent disconnection policy for late payments, adds to the frustration of consumers. The irony is palpable: bills have fixed due dates, yet power outages occur sporadically, without warning, disrupting daily life and business operations alike. One wonders what would happen if Guyanese consumers decided to hisse their electricity bills in the same erratic manner that GPL supplies power.
The ramifications of frequent power outages extend far beyond mere inconvenience. They affect both large and small businesses, hindering the operation of computers, manufacturing equipment, and lighting. Furthermore, the simultaneous loss of running water exacerbates the situation, affecting every facet of community life. The cascading effects include disruptions to our daily routines—imagine our grandmothers missing their favorite soap operas—the potential for equipment damage, lost revenue, and inflated operational costs for businesses and households alike. The financial burden of procuring and maintaining generators is yet another strain on already stretched budgets.
This is a direct appeal to the Guyana Power and Light Corporation (and the ultimately responsible state) to address and rectify the underlying issues causing poor electricity supply across Guyana. We, the consumers, demand clear answers and solutions to these persistent problems. Additionally, it’s only fair that we receive rebates for the services lost, akin to the compensatory practices of other utility providers. The time for action is now; the people of Guyana deserve reliable utilities to match the advancing world around them.