Despite GPL challenges…
CHAIRMAN of the Private Sector Commission (PSC), Mr. Gerry Gouveia, said yesterday that, although the general concurrence is that resolutions of the challenges facing Guyana Power & Light (GPL) are taking longer than expected, the efforts to tackle them are to be commended.

“The high fuel prices being compounded with the challenges being faced with the distribution of electricity is causing tremendous hardships for the Private Sector,” he said, adding: ”We would like these to be resolved faster but at least we are seeing some effort.”

Gouveia made the invited comments against the background of the utility being rated the most inefficient public sector entity in a survey undertaken for the 2010 Guyana Business Outlook.

The study was undertaken by chartered accountants Ram and McRae who reported the conclusion on the basis of responses from 59 business entities.

The respondents, with operations in all 10 Administrative Regions of this country, gave the rating when asked to assess public sector entities affecting them.

A statement from Ram and McRae said, while the survey was not designed to produce statistically valid findings, it is believed to be a fair representation because of the range of businesses that participated.

In that context, Gouveia said the efficient functioning of GPL is a challenge for all Guyana.

He acknowledged that GPL faces some of the biggest challenges. (Vanessa Narine)
Difficulties
“We have, for many years, had difficulties and challenges with our electricity distribution. The problem arises if we are doing nothing to correct them,” Gouveia said.

He admitted that the new power generation system in Kingston is an example of what is being done to make the necessary corrections.

“We are seeing a tremendous effort on the part of the Government to improve power supply, but there are going to be challenges,” Gouveia maintained.

He alluded to moves being made to get hydropower and noted that reliable energy supply is in the forefront of Government policy.

“The Private Sector is sitting on the infrastructure and energy sub-committees, so we know that efforts are being made,” Gouveia said, agreeing that actions may not be taking place at the desired pace but conceded that, at least, efforts to move forward are being made.

He also praised the pre-paid meter system that introduces a capacity for monitoring.

But Gouveia said GPL needs to engage the public and give the assurance that the meters are accurate.

He said, though, that the Private Sector is in sync with the Government in its enthusiasm for energy development.