Illegal connections…
SEVENTY people were arrested, so far this month, as Guyana Power & Light (GPL) continues its vigorous campaign against illegal connections. Internal Auditor, Mr. Looknauth Singh said the utility’s Loss Reduction Unit (LRU) is striving to meet the target of removing 13,000 such illegal connections this year.
According to him, to date, in excess of 30,000 of them have been discovered in 550 raids conducted since the start of the drive in 2006.
Singh said there are a number of what he called ‘hot areas’ where the activity is very prevalent and to which GPL is paying particular attention.
He said 13,000 people have been caught and 364 cases tried but only nine of those prosecuted have been convicted.
Electricity thieves are liable to be charged under the laws that govern the diversion of electricity and, on conviction, fined $50,000 and jailed for one year.
Singh cautioned against the dangerous practice that can lead to fire, injury and loss of life.
The LRU, which was established in 2006, has been under the control of the Internal Audit Department since 2008.  It comprises of three departments, Metering, Operations and Field Services.